7 August 2010
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 7) investigating a confirmed case of cholera and reminds people to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene, whether in Hong Kong or travelling abroad.
The case involved a 66-year-old woman who was a food collateral of a cholera case (index case) confirmed on August 5. She developed diarrhoea on August 2. Her symptoms subsided after one day without
seeking medical attention. Her stool specimen collected by CHP during the investigation of the index case on August 5 grew Vibrio cholera today.
CHP's investigation revealed that the woman shared common meals with the index case on August 5 in four food premises during the incubation period. Both of them are now being isolated at Princess Margaret Hospital for treatment. They are in a stable condition. The woman did not have history of recent travel. She lives in Sham Shiu Po and her home contacts have no symptom of cholera.
Investigation continues and contacts of the patients are put under medical surveillance.
This is the fifth case of cholera reported this year. There were seven cholera cases in 2008, three cholera cases in 2007, one in 2006 and five in 2005.
A CHP spokesman said, "Whether in Hong Kong or travelling abroad, people should pay attention to hygiene and take measures to prevent cholera and food-borne infection."
People are urged to:
* Wash and cook seafood thoroughly before eating, particularly crustaceans and bivalves such as shrimps, crabs, 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.
For more preventive measures against cholera, people may visit CHP's website ( www.chp.gov.hk ).