Press Release

Health advice as first cholera case reported

May 19, 2000

The Department of Health (DH) today (May 19) reminded members of the public to be on guard against cholera following the confirmation of the first imported cholera case in Hong Kong this (2000) year.

A spokesman for DH said: "The best way to prevent the spread of cholera and other food-borne diseases is to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times."

The case involved a 53-year-old man from Kwun Tong who is in stable condition in hospital.

On Sunday (May 14) he suffered from diarrhoea and was admitted to United Christian Hospital. He was transferred to Princess Margaret Hospital yesterday (May 18).

The man had travelled outside Hong Kong with a family member during the incubation period.

Health education was given to his family members who were all asymptomatic. Disinfection of his home was conducted.

When travelling outside Hong Kong, members of the public are advised to :

• Eat only thoroughly cooked food - particularly seafood and shellfish - and food fresh from sealed packs or cans;
• Do not eat cold dish such as salad and ice cream;
• Drink only boiled water, canned or bottled drinks, pasteurised milk or dairy products;
• Do not add ice in drinks and do not drink fresh fruit juice prepared beforehand;
• Do not patronise illegal food hawkers; and
• Do not eat fruits that have been peeled and fruits and vegetables that are not thoroughly cleansed.

Last (1999) year 18 confirmed cholera cases were reported in Hong Kong. Of these, nine were imported cases and the remaining nine were local cases.