Press Release

Update on cholera

October 5, 2000

The Department of Health (DH) today (October 5) reminded members of the public to be on guard against cholera following the confirmation of a 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 72-year-old man from Southern District. He had not travelled outside Hong Kong during the incubation period and the case was classified as a local one. He is suspected to have contracted the disease through the consumption of contaminated food.

He was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on October 3 and is now in stable condition.

Health education was given to his family member who was asymptomatic. Disinfecton work was carried out at his home.

To prevent getting the disease, members of the public should:

• Wash hands before preparing food and after going to toilets;
• Keep the environment clean;
• Raw and cooked food should be handled with separate utensils;
• Keep raw and cooked food separately;
• Clean food thoroughly and ensure they are adequately cooked before consumption; and
• Store food in refrigerator (at 4 degrees celcius or below) and adequately reheat leftover food before consumption.

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