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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (July 23) reminded people to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent intestinal infection caused by E. Coli O157:H7 bacteria.
The appeal came after the confirmation by laboratory test today of a case involving a 10-month-old girl living in Kowloon City. This is the second case of E. Coli O157:H7 infection reported to the CHP this year.
CHP's investigations revealed that the child developed fever, vomiting and diarrhoea on July 16. She was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital the same day and is now in stable condition.
She had no travel history during the incubation period. Her parents did not show any symptoms of intestinal infection while her brother and grandmother developed diarrhoea earlier and had recovered.
Further investigation by CHP is on-going.
A CHP spokesman said that 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 said.
"People 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 faecal-oral route. They are advised to wash hands thoroughly particularly before handling food; before eating; after visiting toilet and after changing diapers for their babies," the spokesman said.
There was one case in 2007 and one in 2006. No cases were recorded in 2005 and 2004.
People may visit CHP website at http://www.chp.gov.hk to obtain more information on the disease.
Ends/Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:55
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