Hong Kong residents are advised to be extra careful when handling seafood. The reason is, two people have died due to an outbreak of invasive Group B Streptococcus infection.
This warning was conveyed by an infectious disease specialist, Dr Joseph Tsang, on Tuesday (26/12/2023). In this regard, the Center for Health Protection reported eight similar infections in the New Territories Eastern Cluster over the past few months. Many of the patients were known to have bought freshwater fish from Sheung Shui market before falling ill.
Tsang explained that invasive Group B Streptococcus is a type of bacterial infection, but it may be easy to overlook because people often experience flu-like symptoms. He warned that the bacteria could cause sepsis and even lead to death.
The expert said the bacteria are often found in freshwater fish, especially farmed fish, as well as various other types of seafood. "For food handlers, if their hands have cuts and come into contact with potentially contaminated food, infection can occur in the body through the wound," he told RTHK.
“Aquatic product or restaurant workers should wear gloves when handling freshwater or farmed fish or aquatic products and avoid direct contact with them or dirty water with bare hands. [People should] try not to eat sashimi, raw or undercooked freshwater aquatic products,” he said. [Source: RTHK]
