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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (December 20) received two confirmed cases of typhoid fever involving one woman living in Tuen Mun and another woman in Yuen Long. This brings to 11 the total number of typhoid fever reports during the period from November 25 to December 20.
The two patients, aged 23 and 20, developed symptoms of typhoid fever including fever, abdominal pain and vomiting on November 29 and December 8 respectively.
The 23-year-old woman was admitted to a private hospital in Kowloon on December 16 while the 20-year-old woman was admitted to Tuen Mun hospital on December 9. Both of them are in stable condition.
A CHP spokesman said investigations were in progress to ascertain the source of infection.
A total of 35 cases have been reported so far this year while the figures for 2001 to 2004 are 67, 67, 49 and 53 respectively.
Noting that typhoid fever was usually transmitted by consuming food and water contaminated by faeces or urine of patients or carriers the spokesman called on people to take the following measures:
* Wash hands properly with soap and water before eating or handling food, and after toilet or changing diapers.
* Clean, wash and cook food thoroughly.
* Wash fruits and vegetables before consumption.
* Do not handle cooked food with bare hands; wear gloves if necessary.
* Handle and store raw and cooked food especially seafood separately to avoid cross contamination.
* Purchase fresh food from reliable sources. Do not buy cooked food from illegal hawkers.
Ends/Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Issued at HKT 18:45
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