CHP investigates suspected ciguatoxin poisoning case
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (July 20) investigating a suspected ciguatoxin poisoning case affecting two persons.
The case involves a male and a female both aged 46, who developed symptoms of ciguatoxinpoisoning including abdominal pain and diarrhoea, as well as numbness over face, tongue and limb about six hours after consuming fish during dinner at a restaurant in Mong Kok on July 18. The duo sought medical attention at the Accident and Emergency Department of United Christian Hospital yesterday (July 19) and did not require hospitalisation. They are in stable condition.
Initial enquiries revealed that the fish consumed was brought from Okinawa. Investigation by the CHP is ongoing.
Ciguatera fish poisoning is not uncommon in tropical areas. It is mainly associated with the consumption of large coral reef fish which have accumulated the toxin in the body, particularly in internal organs, through eating small fish that consumed toxic algae in seas around coral reefs.
A larger fish is therefore more likely to carry a higher amount of the toxin. However, it is not easy to tell from the appearance of the fish whether it contains the toxin.
People affected may have symptoms of numbness of the mouth and limbs, vomiting, diarrhoea, alternating sensations of coldness and hotness, and pain in their joints and muscles.
"Most people affected by ciguatoxin will recover without long-term health effects, but if excessive toxins are consumed, the circulatory and nervous systems can be affected. The toxin cannot be destroyed by cooking," a spokesman for the CHP said.
To prevent ciguatera fish poisoning, the public should:
• Eat less coral reef fish;
• Eat small amounts of coral reef fish at any meal and avoid having a whole fish feast in which all dishes come from the same large coral reef fish;
• Avoid eating the head, skin, intestines and roe of coral reef fish, which usually have a higher concentration of toxins;
• When eating coral reef fish, avoid consuming alcohol, peanuts or beans as they may aggravate ciguatoxin poisoning;
• Seek medical treatment immediately should symptoms of ciguatoxin fish poisoning appear; and
• Coral reef fish should be purchased from reputable and licensed seafood shops. Do not buy the fish when the source is in doubt.
London ETO celebrates Hong Kong Cinema in Copenhagen
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London, Film Development Fund and the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency supported the Denmark Asian Cultural Association's "Copenhagen Hong Kong Focus Film Festival" held in Copenhagen, Denmark from September 6 to 8 (Copenhagen time).
An opening reception was held before the screening of "The Goldfinger" to kick off the film festival, with the presence of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Kingdom of Denmark, Mr Wang Xue-feng, and over 80 guests from the Copenhagen City Council, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, and the local cultural and business sectors.
The Director-General of the London ETO, Mr Gilford Law, addressed the audience at the reception. Mr Law said, "We are delighted to support the celebration of Hong Kong cinema in Copenhagen. With Hong Kong's vision of becoming an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange as underpinned by the National 14th Five-Year Plan, this festival exemplifies our commitment to showcasing the vibrant and diverse talents of our film industry. Hong Kong cinema has long been a beacon of creativity and innovation, and we are excited to share these cinematic achievements with our friends in Denmark."
Mr Law added, "The opening film 'The Goldfinger' is a visually stunning portrayal of Hong Kong in the 1980s. Today, Hong Kong continues to flourish with a wide range of international events and experiences that reflect its dynamic and evolving cultural landscape. We warmly invite you to visit Hong Kong to experience the city's vibrant modernity and rich cultural heritage."
The three-day film festival featured six Hong Kong films, including "The Goldfinger", "The Lyricist Wannabe", "Fly Me to the Moon", "Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In", "Rob N Roll" and "Time Still Turns the Pages".
London ETO celebrates Hong Kong Cinema in Copenhagen Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
London ETO celebrates Hong Kong Cinema in Copenhagen Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
London ETO celebrates Hong Kong Cinema in Copenhagen Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
London ETO celebrates Hong Kong Cinema in Copenhagen Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
London ETO celebrates Hong Kong Cinema in Copenhagen Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
