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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 14) reminded people to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent gastrointestinal infection caused by E. Coli O157:H7 bacteria.
The appeal came after the confirmation of a case involving a 10-month-old boy living in Wong Tai Sin. This is the first case of E. Coli O157:H7 infection reported to CHP this year.
CHP's investigations revealed that the child developed fever and diarrhoea on September 5. He was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital on September 6 and was discharged on September 9. He has recovered.
He had no travel history during the incubation period. His family members did not show any symptoms.
Further investigation by CHP is on-going.
A CHP spokesman said that E. coli O157:H7 could be contracted through consumption of undercooked contaminated food (especially minced beef and hamburgers, etc.) or contaminated water, or transmitted from person to person through the faecal-oral route.
"People are advised to cook food thoroughly. The core temperature of food should reach 75 degrees Celsius for two to three minutes."
"People 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 two cases in 2008.
Members of the public may visit CHP website at http://www.chp.gov.hk to obtain more information on the disease.
Ends/Monday, September 14, 2009
Issued at HKT 20:53
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