8 May 2010
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 8) investigating a case of cholera and reminds people to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene, whether in Hong Kong or travelling abroad.
The case involved a 53-year-old man who developed epigastric pain and watery diarrhoea on April 30 this year. He sought medical consultation and was given symptomatic treatment on May 4.
He is now being isolated in Princess Margaret Hospital for treatment and is in a stable condition.
Laboratory tests today showed that his stool specimen yielded positive result for Vibrio cholerae O1 Ogawa. His home contacts have no symptoms of cholera.
CHP's investigation revealed that the man had travelled alone by joining a tour group to India from April 24 to May 1. CHP is contacting the other tour members.
This is the first case of cholera reported this year. There were seven cholera cases in 2008, three cholera cases in 2007, one in 2006 and five in 2005.
A CHP spokesman said, "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 shrimps, crabs, 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.
For more preventive measures against cholera, people may visit CHP's website (
http://www.chp.gov.hk/
).