The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 1) investigating a suspected food poisoning case related to the consumption of wild mushrooms, and urged the public not to pick and eat wild mushrooms.
 
     The case involves a 29-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman, who developed abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea about one hour after consuming wild mushrooms at home yesterday (August 31). They sought medical attention at North Lantau Hospital on the same day and was subsequently admitted to the hospital for further management. They are in a stable condition.
 
     Initial investigations revealed that the patients picked the wild mushrooms that they consumed from a roadside somewhere in Tung Chung yesterday. The CHP's investigation is ongoing.
 
     "Members of the public should not pick wild mushrooms for consumption as it is difficult to distinguish edible mushroom species from inedible ones," a spokesman for the CHP said.
 
     "Mushroom poisoning is generally acute. Common presentations include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain appearing shortly after ingestion. Depending on the mushroom species, patients may also have other symptoms like profuse sweating, hallucinations, coma or other neurological symptoms, as well as liver failure. Death may result in severe cases," he added.
 
     "If mushroom poisoning is suspected, the patient should seek immediate medical attention and bring along any available remnant for identification," the spokesman said.

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

     Please broadcast the following message as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:

     As Strong wind signal No. 3 has been issued, the Marine Department reminds vessel owners, masters and persons-in-charge of vessels that they should take precautionary measures immediately and properly secure their vessels at safe locations.

     In case of an accident, a report should be made immediately to the Vessel Traffic Centre at 2233 7801.

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations,

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:

     The Tourism Commission announces that due to the issuing of Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No.3 by the Hong Kong Observatory, "A Symphony of Lights" will be cancelled tonight (September 1).

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

     Please broadcast the following special announcement immediately, and repeat it at frequent intervals:

     "The Social Welfare Department announces that while Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 3 has been issued, centres providing after school care programmes and elderly services centres which normally operate on Sundays and public holidays remain open. However, if necessary, members of the public can contact the centres to make arrangements for the safe return home of their children and family members."

     Attention TV and radio duty announcers:

     Please broadcast the following special announcement by the Education Bureau concerning schools, and repeat it at suitable intervals:

     As the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal no. 3 is now in force, classes of kindergartens, schools for children with physical disability and schools for children with intellectual disability are suspended today. These schools, however, should keep their premises open and implement contingency measures to look after arriving students. They should ensure that conditions are safe before allowing students to return home.