Press Release

CHP investigates confirmed cholera case

19 May 2016

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 19) investigating a confirmed case of cholera, and reminds the public to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene whether in Hong Kong or travelling abroad.

The case involves a 28-year-old man, with good past health, who has developed diarrhoea and abdominal pain since May 9. He consulted a private doctor on May 11 and did not require hospitalisation at that time. He was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital today for isolation treatment in stable condition.

Laboratory testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch showed that culture of his stool specimen yielded Vibrio cholerae O1 Ogawa.

Initial investigations by the CHP revealed that the patient had visited India from May 1 to 10. His travel collateral was asymptomatic. The CHP's investigation is under way.

A CHP spokesman said, "Whether in Hong Kong or travelling abroad, people should pay attention to personal hygiene and take measures to prevent cholera and food-borne infection."

The public 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 a refrigerator (at 4 degrees Celsius or below) and thoroughly reheat leftover food before eating; and
• 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, and 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, the public may visit the CHP's website (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk).