Public reminded to prevent E. coli O157:H7 infection

20 July 2010

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (July 20) reminded people to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent intestinal infection caused by E. Coli O157:H7 bacteria.

The appeal followed the confirmation by laboratory test of a local case involving a 13-month-old girl living in Yuen Long. This is the fourth case of E. Coli O157:H7 infection reported to the CHP this year.

The CHP's investigation revealed that the girl presented with loose stool with blood and mucus on July 13. She was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital the next day and developed low grade fever after admission. The girl is now in stable condition.

Her stool specimen grew toxin-producing E. Coli O157:H7.

The child had no travel history during the incubation period. Her household contacts are asymptomatic.

The CHP's investigation continues.

A CHP spokesman said that in general, 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.

"However, the bacteria can be killed at a cooking temperature of around 75 degrees Celsius for two to three minutes," he said.

"People are advised to cook meat thoroughly. The core temperature of food should reach 75 degrees Celsius for at least two to three minutes, until the cooked meat is brown throughout and the juices run clear.

"People should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene to avoid person-to-person transmission of the bacteria through the faecal-oral route. They are advised to wash hands thoroughly particularly before handling food, before eating, after visiting the toilet and after changing diapers for their babies," the spokesman said.

There were two cases of E. coli 0157:H7 infection in 2008 and another two cases in 2009.

People may visit the CHP website www.chp.gov.hk to obtain more information on the disease.