Service suspension of Mongkok Donor Centre
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority: In light of mass gathering activities in Mong Kok today (August 3), the Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) anno… read more
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority: In light of mass gathering activities in Mong Kok today (August 3), the Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) anno… read more
Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations: Please broadcast the following message as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals: Due to the… read more
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 3) investigating a case of suspected food poisoning, and hence reminded the public to beware of vegetables containing calcium oxalate raphide.
The female patient, aged 61, developed numbness and swelling over tongue and lips, vomiting and epigastric pain shortly after consuming a wild taro at home yesterday (August 2). She attended the Accident and Emergency Department of North District Hospital on the same day and was admitted for further management subsequently. She is now in a stable condition. The clinical diagnosis was suspected calcium oxalate raphide poisoning.
Initial investigations revealed that the wild taro the patient had consumed was picked near Siu Hang San Tsuen in Fanling. The CHP’s investigation is ongoing.
Taro is a popular ingredient used to prepare various dishes and desserts. However, some plants look like taro but contain toxins which can cause food poisoning. Those containing calcium oxalate raphide (a needle-shaped crystal of the chemical) can injure the skin and mucous membranes and cause irritation, such as numbness and burning sensation of the tongue, mouth and lips, and swelling of the tongue and lips. Consumption of vegetables accidentally mixed with calcium oxalate raphide-containing plants may also cause food poisoning.
Members of the public should:
The Immigration Department announces that due to special incidents occurred in Mong Kok, West Kowloon Smart Identity Card Replacement Centre located at 12/F, Gala Place, 56 Dundas Street, Mong Kok has been closed earlier today&… read more
Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations: Please broadcast the following message as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals: A public p… read more