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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 10) confirmed an imported case of cholera and reminded people to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent cholera and food-borne infection.
The case involved a 30-year-old man arriving in Hong Kong on August 2. He developed abdominal cramps and diarrhoea on August 1 and attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital on August 6. He was admitted to the Princess Margaret Hospital on August 8 and is now in stable condition.
Laboratory tests today showed that his stool specimen yielded positive result for Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor Ogawa.
CHP's investigation revealed that he had travelled alone to India from July 4 to August 1 and the case was classified as an imported one. He lives in Tuen Mun and his home contacts did not have symptom of cholera.
This is the first case of cholera reported in 2007. There was one case in 2006, five in 2005, five in 2004, seven in 2003 and four in 2002.
A CHP spokesman said that whether in Hong Kong or travelling abroad, people should pay attention to 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 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, August 10, 2007
Issued at HKT 14:30
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