Giuseppe
Emeritus
Hong Kong: CHP investigates imported cholera case (5/24/10)
[Source: Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong PRC SAR, View Original Article.]
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 24) investigating an imported case of cholera and reminds people to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene.
The case involved a 46-year-old woman who developed loose stool and watery diarrhoea from May 16. She sought medical consultation on May 18 and was given symptomatic treatment. She is now receiving isolation treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital and is in stable condition. Laboratory tests today showed that her stool specimen yielded Vibrio cholerae O1 serotype Inaba. Her home contacts have no cholera symptoms.
The CHP's investigation revealed that the patient had travelled alone to Singapore between May 10 and 17.
This is the second case of cholera reported this year. There were seven cholera cases in 2008, three in 2007, one in 2006 and five in 2005.
A CHP spokesman said, "Whether in Hong Kong or travelling abroad, people should pay attention to hygiene and take measures to prevent cholera and food-borne infections."
People are urged to:
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[Source: Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong PRC SAR, View Original Article.]
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 24) investigating an imported case of cholera and reminds people to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene.
The case involved a 46-year-old woman who developed loose stool and watery diarrhoea from May 16. She sought medical consultation on May 18 and was given symptomatic treatment. She is now receiving isolation treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital and is in stable condition. Laboratory tests today showed that her stool specimen yielded Vibrio cholerae O1 serotype Inaba. Her home contacts have no cholera symptoms.
The CHP's investigation revealed that the patient had travelled alone to Singapore between May 10 and 17.
This is the second case of cholera reported this year. There were seven cholera cases in 2008, three in 2007, one in 2006 and five in 2005.
A CHP spokesman said, "Whether in Hong Kong or travelling abroad, people should pay attention to hygiene and take measures to prevent cholera and food-borne infections."
People are urged to:
- Wash and cook seafood thoroughly before eating, particularly crustaceans and bivalves such as shrimps, crabs, oysters and clams;
- Wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet;
- Handle raw and cooked food with separate utensils to prevent cross-contamination;
- Keep raw and cooked food separately;
- Store food in refrigerator (at 4 degrees Celsius or below) and thoroughly reheat leftover food before eating; and
- Keep the environment clean.
- Always wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet;
- Eat only thoroughly cooked food and food from sealed packs or cans;
- Avoid cold dishes such as salad and ice-cream;
- Drink only boiled water, canned or bottled drinks, pasteurised milk or dairy products;
- Do not add ice to drinks and do not drink fresh fruit juice that has been prepared beforehand;
- Do not patronise illegal food hawkers; and
- Wash fruit thoroughly before eating and do not eat fruit that has already been peeled or cut open.
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