Press Release

Update on cholera

September 22, 2000

The Department of Health (DH) today (September 22) reminded members of the public to be on guard against cholera following the confirmation of an imported cholera case in Hong Kong.

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

The case involved a 36-year-old tourist from China. He arrived in Hong Kong on Monday (September 19) and developed watery diarrhoea one hour after arrival.

He was admitted to hospital the same day and is now in stable condition.

Appropriate follow-up and surveillance of the patient's contacts are being implemented by DH.

The spokesman advised the public to take the following measures when travelling outside Hong Kong:

• Eat only thoroughly cooked food 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.

Six confirmed cholera cases were reported in Hong Kong this (2000) year . Of these, three were imported cases and the remaining three were local cases.