Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection recorded 37 food poisoning cases affecting 115 people from January 18 to Monday, with 33 cases involving 101 individuals linked to norovirus, all of whom had eaten raw oysters during the incubation period. Authorities suspended supplies of raw oysters from two local companies and one South Korean firm after they were connected to 22 suspected cases. The public has been advised to avoid raw seafood.
Hong Kong has seen a wave of food poisoning cases linked to raw oysters, raising concerns about norovirus risks. According to the South China Morning Post, the Centre for Health Protection recorded 37 cases affecting 115 people between January 18 and Monday, with 33 cases involving 101 individuals connected to norovirus. Epidemiological findings indicate that all those affected had consumed raw oysters during the incubation period.
In response, authorities suspended the supply of raw oysters from two local companies and one South Korean supplier, following their link to 22 suspected food poisoning incidents. The latest cases are associated with Hong Kong's Mandarin Oriental hotel. The centre has advised the public to avoid eating raw seafood to prevent illness.
Norovirus can cause symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and nausea. The report mentions experts such as Terence Lau Lok-ting from Baptist University's Food Safety Consortium and Lam Wing-wo, though no specific quotes are provided. The incidents highlight the health risks of consuming raw oysters, with health officials continuing to monitor the situation.
