CHP investigates case of suspected mad honey poisoning
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (October 17) investigating a case of suspected mad honey poisoning, and reminded the public to buy honey from a reliable source or apiary.
A 48-year-old male developed dizziness, vomiting and syncope around two hours after consuming honey this morning. He was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of North District Hospital and was admitted for treatment. The patient was in stable condition. His clinical diagnosis was suspectedmad honey poisoning.
Initial enquiries revealed that the patient consumed honey brought to Hong Kong by a friend from Nepal. The poisoning might have been caused by grayanotoxin. The investigations are ongoing.
"Mad honey poisoning is caused by ingestion of honey containing grayanotoxins derived from plants belonging to the Ericaceae family, including rhododendrons. Grayanotoxins are neurotoxins which can affect nerves and muscles. Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, weakness, excessive perspiration, hypersalivation and paraesthesia shortly after ingestion. In severe cases, hypotension, bradycardia or shock may occur," a spokesman for the CHP explained.
Members of the public are reminded to take heed of the following preventive advice:
Buy honey from a reliable source or apiary;
Discard honey with a bitter or astringent taste -grayanotoxin-containing honey may cause a burning sensation in the throat; and
Pay special attention to honey from India, Nepal and the Black Sea region of Türkiye as therehave beengrayanotoxin poisoning casesconnected withhoney from these areas.
HKETO Jakarta promotes latest initiatives of Policy Address in Indonesia
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Jakarta (HKETO Jakarta) supported the inaugural Hong Kong - Indonesia Digital Summit held in Jakarta, Indonesia, today (October 17). The Summit was jointly organised by the Indonesia Hong Kong Business Association and the Indonesia Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong.
The Director-General of the HKETO Jakarta, Miss Libera Cheng, shared with Summit participants during the gala dinner the latest initiatives related to the development of new quality productive forces and the promotion of Hong Kong's digital economy as announced in "The Chief Executive's 2024 Policy Address" delivered by the Chief Executive yesterday (October 16), with a view to publicising the city’s latest developments and opportunities.
Addressing the event, Miss Cheng stressed that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government is committed to developing Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre by promoting the upgrading and transformation of traditional industries while diligently nurturing emerging ones. The measures include increasing investment and guiding market capital to invest in I&T industries, while an HK$10 billion I&T Industry-Oriented Fund will be set up to guide more market capital to invest in specified emerging and future industries of strategic importance, including life and health technology and artificial intelligence.
She added, "The HKSAR Government will press ahead with the development of a digital economy. We will also expedite the integrated development of the digital economy and the real economy, which includes accelerating the digital transformation of industries, strengthening digital infrastructure, and exploring development of a data trading ecosystem.
"In the digital world, data is king. Under the 'one country, two systems' framework, Hong Kong enjoys unique advantages in cross-boundary data flow. The HKSAR Government is exploring on a pilot basis facilitation arrangements for cross boundary data flow within the Guangdong Hong Kong Macao Greater Bay Area. Such co-operation would bring enormous opportunities for research and development work."
The gala dinner was attended by over 150 participants including senior representatives from government and business circles, as well as I&T companies.
HKETO Jakarta promotes latest initiatives of Policy Address in Indonesia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKETO Jakarta promotes latest initiatives of Policy Address in Indonesia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
