The Centre for Health Protection warns people to handle langsat fruit with extra care. The warning comes after a 35-year-old man was stung on the finger by a scorpion while eating the fruit at his Happy Valley home October 25.

He sought medical treatment at a private hospital.

He bought the fruit from a stall in North Point on the same day.

This is the fourth report of this kind received by the centre this year. It urged people to shake langsat bunches vigorously under water before picking the fruit to eat.

Anyone stung by a scorpion should apply a cold compress, gently wash the affected areas with soap and water, leave the wound intact, and seek urgent medical attention.