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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (December 8) reminded members of the public to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent E. coli O157:H7 infection and other types of gut infections.
The advice was given following the confirmation by the CHP today of the first local case of E. coli O157:H7 this year involving a 16-month-old boy in Yuen Long.
The patient developed symptoms of fever, cough, runny nose, diarrhoea and vomiting on November 24 and was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital on November 30. He was discharged on December 2 but was re-admitted to the hospital on December 6. He is in a stable condition.
The CHP gave health education to his family members who have no symptoms. An investigation by the CHP is in progress.
A CHP spokesman said in general E. coli O157:H7 could be contracted through consumption of undercooked contaminated food or contaminated water, or transmitted from person to person through the faecal-oral route.
"However, the bacteria can be killed at a cooking temperature of around 75 degrees Celsius for two to three minutes," he added.
"Members of the public are advised to cook food thoroughly. The core temperature of food should reach 75 degrees Celsius for two to three minutes.
"Moreover, the public should observe good personal and environmental hygiene to avoid person-to-person transmission of the bacteria through the faecal-oral route. They are advised to wash hands thoroughly particularly before handling food; before eating; after visiting the toilet and after changing diapers for their babies," the spokesman said.
Hong Kong did not record any E. coli O157:H7 case in 2005, 2004 and 2002. One case was recorded in 2003, three cases in 2001 and one case in 2000. Members of the public may visit CHP's website at http://www.chp.gov.hk/content7faf.html. to obtain more information on the disease.
Ends/Friday, December 8, 2006
Issued at HKT 18:06
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