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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (November 20) reminded members of the public to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent intestinal infection caused by E. coli O157:H7 bacteria.
The reminder came after the confirmation by laboratory test today of an imported case of E. coli O157:H7 infection involving a one-year-old girl living in Yuen Long.
CHP's investigations revealed that the girl had travelled to the Mainland from October 26 to November 14 and developed symptoms of diahorrea and vomiting on November 13.
She returned to Hong Kong on November 14 and was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital. Her symptoms had subsided and she was discharged on November 19.
CHP is following up on the health conditions of the family members and have provided them with health advice.
Investigation by CHP is in progress.
A CHP spokesman said in general E. coli O157:H7 could be contracted through consumption of undercooked contaminated food or contaminated water, or transmitted from person to person through the faecal-oral route.
"However, the bacteria can be killed at a cooking temperature of around 75 degrees Celsius for two to three minutes," he added.
"Members of the public are advised to cook food thoroughly. The core temperature of food should reach 75 degrees Celsius for two to three minutes."
"Moreover, the public 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.
Today's case is the first infection case of E. coli O157:H7 reported in Hong Kong. There was one case in 2006 and no case in 2005, 2004 and 2002. One case was recorded in 2003, three cases in 2001 and one case in 2000.
Members of the public may visit CHP website at http://www.chp.gov.hk/content7faf.html. to obtain more information on the disease.
Ends/Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:56
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