2004-10-04
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 4) reminded members of the public to be on guard against cholera and food-borne infection following the confirmation of an imported cholera case.
Case details are as follows:
Age: 23
Sex: Male
Date of onset: September 27, 2004
Symptoms: diarrhoea and vomiting
Present condition: Admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in stable condition
Travel history: Arrived in Hong Kong from India on September 27
Other: Stool specimen was positive to Vibrio cholerae 01 Inaba
Cumulative Total in 2004: 5
Imported: 5
Local: 0
A CHP spokesman said, "The best way to prevent cholera and food-borne diseases is to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times."
The public is reminded to:
*Clean and cook seafood thoroughly before eating, particularly crustaceans and bivalves such as shrimp, crab, oysters and clams;
*Wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet;
*Handle raw and cooked food with separate utensils to prevent cross-contamination;
*Keep raw and cooked food separately;
*Store food in refrigerator (at 4 degrees Celsius or below) and thoroughly reheat leftover food before eating;
*Keep the environment clean.
When travelling outside Hong Kong:
*Always wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet;
*Eat only thoroughly cooked food and food from sealed packs or cans;
*Avoid cold dishes such as salad and ice-cream;
*Drink only boiled water, canned or bottled drinks, pasteurised milk or dairy products;
*Do not add ice to drinks and do not drink fresh fruit juice that has been prepared beforehand;
*Do not patronise illegal food hawkers; and
*Wash fruit thoroughly before eating and do not eat fruit that has already been peeled or cut open.
End/Monday, October 4, 2004