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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 1) confirmed a cholera case and reminded people to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent cholera and food-borne infection.
Case details are as follows:
Age: 29
Sex: Male
Date of onset: August 28
Symptoms: diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and fever
Present condition: in stable condition in Princess Margaret Hospital.
Travel history: He lived on the Mainland and travelled daily to his workplace in Hong Kong during the incubation period.
Strain of Vibrio cholerae: Vibrio cholerae O1 El tor serotype Ogawa
Others: His home contacts did not have symptoms. CHP¡¦s investigations into the case are proceeding.
Cumulative total of cholera cases in 2006: 1
Classification:
Imported --0
Local -- 0
Pending classification ¡V1 (today's case)
Total number of cholera cases in recent years: 5 in 2005, 5 in 2004, 7 in 2003, 4 in 2002.
A CHP spokesman said, "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."
CHP is urging people 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.
Ends/Friday, September 1, 2006
Issued at HKT 17:58
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