2005-09-21
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 21) confirmed a cholera case and reminded members of the public to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent cholera and food-borne infection.
Case details are as follows:
Age: 75
Sex: Female
Date of onset: September 12
Symptoms: diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting
Present condition: in a stable condition in Queen Mary Hospital.
Travel history: She travelled to Guangzhou on September 7 and returned to Hong Kong on September 11.
Vibrio cholerae: Vibrio cholerae O1 Ogawa
Cumulative total of cholera cases in 2005: 5
Classification:
Imported -- 3
Local -- 1
Pending classification –1 (today's case)
A CHP spokesman said: "Whether in Hong Kong or travelling abroad, members of the public should pay attention to hygiene and take measures to prevent cholera and food-borne infection."
"Cholera is endemic in Asian Pacific region and occurs usually during summer months. Occasional outbreaks were also found," he added.
According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), more cholera cases had been reported in the Mainland so far this year as compared to the same period last year. CHP learnt that MOH had instructed all provinces to step up surveillance measures and source tracing as well as health education. A series of preventive measures were also implemented.
CHP is maintaining close contact with MOH and will closely monitor the situation.
Meanwhile, CHP is urging members of the public 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, they should:
- 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/Wednesday, September 21, 2005