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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is keeping a close watch on the outbreak of cholera in Hainan Province.
A CHP spokesman said today (October 31) that information so far available revealed that there were 30 reports of cholera, in Hainan Province in the past two weeks.
"We are maintaining close liaison with Ministry of Health in order to obtain more information on the cases.
"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," the spokesman said.
To avoid infection, members of the public are urged to:
* Wash 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.
For more preventive measures against cholera, members of the public may visit CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk/).
Ends/Friday, October 31, 2008
Issued at HKT 22:16
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