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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 16) investigating a confirmed case of cholera, and reminds people to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene whether in Hong Kong or travelling abroad.
The case involved a 31-year-old man who has diarrhoea since May 22 after travelling to Shenzhen on May 20. He has developed on and off bowel symptoms since then and sought medical treatment from a private doctor on August 13.
Laboratory test today showed that his stool specimen yielded Vibrio cholerae O1 serotype Inaba. He is receiving isolation treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital and is now in stable condition.
His travel collateral and home contact have no cholera symptoms. The mainland health authority has been notified of the case. The CHP's investigation is underway.
A CHP spokesman said, "Whether in Hong Kong or travelling abroad, people should pay attention to personal hygiene and take measures to prevent cholera and food-borne infection."
People are urged to:
* Wash and cook seafood thoroughly before eating, particularly crustaceans and bivalves such as shrimps, crabs, 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 a refrigerator (at 4 degrees Celsius or below) and thoroughly reheat leftover food before eating; and
* 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, and 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, people may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk).
Ends/Saturday, August 16, 2014
Issued at HKT 23:15
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