14 Sep 2009
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 14) reminded members of the public to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent gastrointestinal infection caused by E. Coli O157:H7 bacteria.
The appeal came after the confirmation of a case involving a 10-month-old boy living in Wong Tai Sin. This is the first case of E. Coli O157:H7 infection reported to CHP this year.
CHP's investigations revealed that the child developed fever and diarrhoea on September 5. He was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital on 6 Sept and was discharged on 9 Sept. He has recovered.
He had no travel history during the incubation period. His family members did not show any symptoms.
Further investigation by CHP is on-going.
A CHP spokesman said that E. coli O157:H7 could be contracted through consumption of undercooked contaminated food (especially minced beef and hamburgers, etc.) or contaminated water, or transmitted from person to person through the faecal-oral route.
"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.
There was one case and two cases in 2007 and 2008 respectively.
Members of the public may visit CHP website at
http://www.chp.gov.hk
to obtain more information on the disease.