Press Release

Health advice on prevention of E. coli O157:H7

December 23, 2003

The Department of Health (DH) today (December 23) reminded members of the public to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent E. coli O157:H7 infection and other types of gut infections.

The advice was given following the confirmation by DH of the first case of E. coli O157:H7 this year involving an eleven-month-old baby boy in Tseung Kwan O. He developed symptoms of watery diarrhoea since December 8 and was admitted to Tseung Kwan O Hospital on December 14. He is now in stable condition.

DH gave health education to his family members who were asymptomatic. Food samples and environmental swabs have been collected. Investigation by DH is in progress.

A DH spokesman said in general E. coli O157:H7 could be contracted through consumption of undercooked contaminated food or contaminated water, or transmitted from person to person through the faecal-oral route. The E. coli O157:H7 is a strain of bacteria usually found in intestines of animals such as cattle. Infection due to the bacteria may be associated with eating undercooked beef -- particularly minced beef.

"However, the bacteria can be killed at a cooking temperature of around 75 degrees Celsius for two to three minutes," he added.

"Members of the public are advised to cook food thoroughly. The core temperature of food should reach 75 degrees Celsius for two to three minutes until all pink is gone from the interior and the juices run clear."

"Moreover, the public should observe good personal and environmental hygiene to avoid person-to-person transmission of the bacteria through faecal-oral route. They are advised to wash hands thoroughly particularly before handling food and after changing diapers for their babies," the spokesman said.

Hong Kong did not record any E. coli O157:H7 case in 2002. Three cases were recorded in 2001 and one case in 2000. Members of the public may visit DH website at This link will open in a new windowhttp://www.info.gov.hk/dh/diseases/CD/EColiO157.htm for more information on E. coli O157:H7.