Hong Kong's Department of Health confirmed Saturday three imported food poisoning outbreaks involving 33 people and urged the public to be on guard against food-borne infections.

The 14 male and 19 female, aged 2 to 75, were among three tour groups to Phuket, Thailand of around 85 people who got lunch buffet on a beach of Khai Island on Dec. 31, 2003.

The 33 people subsequently suffered from diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever and vomiting. Two of them had been admitted to a hospital in Thailand but were subsequently discharged.

The others sought medical treatments upon their return to Hong Kong. All are in stable condition and no hospitalization was required.

Initial investigation showed that the patients developed gastrointestinal symptoms within 11 to 30 hours after the lunch buffet on Dec. 31.

It is also believed that the outbreaks could be related to cross contamination of cooked and uncooked food.

The Department of Health has contacted the travel agencies concerned and other tour members to give health education. The department also notified the relevant health authority about the case.

The public are reminded to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent food-borne diseases, suggested the department

(Xinhua News Agency January 4, 2004)