Press Release

Enhanced measures to contain spread of cholera

16 March 1998

The Inter-departmental Co-ordinating Committee on the Prevention and Control of Cholera met today (Monday) and agreed on a package of enhanced measures to effectively control the spread of cholera in Hong Kong.

A spokesman for the Committee said members noted the current spate of cholera cases and were determined to do their utmost to prevent the spread of cholera with immediate enforcement action and the introduction of short term and longer-term measures.

"However, these enhanced actions could not yield the desired effect without the support and co-operation of the community," the spokesman said.

"Members of the public and travellers are strongly urged to observe and practise good personal, environmental and food hygiene at all times to prevent contracting gastro-intestinal infections."

The spokesman said the meeting reviewed the current cholera situation and three distinct sources of the cholera cases, including inadequately cooked cockles, one restaurant and three groups of travellers, had been identified by the Department of Health as related to the majority of the 18 confirmed cases and 23 suspected cases. Actions have been and are being taken to prevent the spread of the diseases from these sources.

He said these included blitz inspections conducted by the Urban Services Department and the Regional Services Department to all restaurants selling sushi and sashimi to check on good hygiene and fish task water quality. Together with the Housing Department, they had also conducted blitz raids on unlicensed food premises.

"The blitz inspections by RSD have already been completed while similar operations by USD will be completed before the end of this week," the spokesman said.

An important measure which the Committee had agreed to implement with immediate effect is to tighten up the import control of seafood by holding and testing all bivalve shellfish, including cockles, clams, oysters and mussels, imported into Hong Kong.

"This means that bivalve imports from now on will be subject to sampling and testing to ensure that they are fit for human consumption before they can be released for sale at retail level," the spokesman said.

"The requirement of health certification for all imported seafood will be strictly enforced. In addition, surveillance and sampling of seafood at retail level will also be strengthened."

The spokesman pointed out that as an integral part of the enhanced package were efforts to increase public health education and publicity.

"Apart from considering a new approach in producing radio and television announcements of public interests (APIs) to promote the health awareness in the community, the Committee has decided to produce a new video to advise travellers of the health precautions to be taken during their trips abroad," he said.

"It is expected that the video would be ready in time for the Easter holidays."

The meeting also noted that the Department of Health had been mounting poster displays, message broadcasts and handing out pamphlets at the airport, railway stations and ferry piers and these had been stepped up to enhance publicity.

"In addition to the assistance given by the Hong Kong Tourist Association and the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong in alerting all travel agencies, staff of the Department of Health's Port Health Service have, since yesterday, been giving health advice to all in-coming flights from Thailand to enhance travellers' awareness and to request them to come forward in case they develop any symptoms of infectious disease," the spokesman said.

In the longer-term, the Committee agreed to set up a working group to look into the issue of water used in keeping seafood in restaurants.

Members of the working group will comprise representatives from the Urban Services Department, the Regional Services Department, the Agriculture and Fisheries Department, the Environmental Protection Department, and the Department of Health.

"The Committee does not support the drawing of seawater from the harbour and typhoon shelters for keeping fish in restaurants. The working group is tasked to consider all ways and means with a view to making recommendation on ways of providing wholesome seawater for this purpose," the spokesman added.

Concluding the meeting, the Committee concurred with the World Health Organisation's advice that travel restriction is not an effective way to prevent the spread of cholera. The best way to prevent cholera is to observe good personal and food hygiene, and be careful with the food people eat.

The Inter-departmental Co-ordinating Committee on the Prevention and Control of Cholera is chaired by the Deputy Director of Health. Members comprise representatives from Health and Welfare Bureau, Urban Services Department, Regional Services Department, Housing Department, Information Services Department, Agriculture and Fisheries Department, Environmental Protection Department and the Marine Department.