Press Release

Health advice to travellers

April 17, 2000

The Department of Health (DH) reminded members of the public travelling outside Hong Kong during the coming Easter and Labour Day holidays to be on guard against gastro-intestinal diseases and mosquito-borne diseases.

The Chief Port Health Officer of DH, Dr P L Ma, said today (April 17):"Travellers should observe good personal and food hygiene at all times. They should also take extra precautions in preventing mosquito bites."

"Holidaymakers and travellers returning to Hong Kong are advised to consult a doctor at once if they feel unwell or have such symptons as fever, chills, rashes, diarrhoea and vomiting."

Following are useful tips to prevent gastro-intestinal diseases such as cholera, viral hepatitis A and dysentery :

• eat only thoroughly cooked food particularly seafood and shellfish, and food fresh from sealed packs or cans;
• drink only boiled water, canned or bottled drinks, pasteurised milk or dairy products;
• always wash hands before eating;
• don't eat fruits that have been peeled and fruits and vegetables that are not thoroughly cleansed; and
• don't patronise illegal food hawkers.

Travellers should take the following preventive measures to prevent mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever and malaria:

• wear long-sleeved clothes and long trousers;
• use insect repellent over the exposed parts of the body; and
• use mosquito screens or nets when the room is not air-conditioned.