The Centre for Health Protection is probing two suspected food poisoning cases involving 26 people. Initial investigations show the outbreaks are likely bacterial.

The first saw six men and eight women, aged 10 to 44, come down with abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and nausea after eating at a Mong Kok restaurant on July 28 and 29. Their symptoms were generally mild, with eight getting medical treatment from hospitals and one from a private doctor. Their conditions are stable and no hospitalisation was required.

The second involved seven men and five women, aged 46 to 92, who got diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea and fever after eating at a private club in Wan Chai on July 28. Two sought treatment from hospitals and three others visited clinics. Their conditions are stable and no hospitalisation was required.

Norovirus cases

Meanwhile, five men, aged 75 to 90, of a medical ward in Queen Elizabeth Hospital have come down with diarrhoea since July 27. They are being treated in isolation and their condition is stable. All have tested positive for Norovirus.

Admission to the ward has been suspended while visiting arrangements remain normal. Infection control measures have been stepped up in the ward. All patients are under close surveillance.

The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority and the Centre for Health Protection.