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Preliminary results from laboratory investigations conducted by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) showed that the bacteria in seven of the typhoid fever cases recently reported in Yuen Long may have from a same source.
Investigations showed the cases were predominantly children and teenagers. Most cases were localized in Tin Shui Wai and Long Ping Tsuen of Yuen Long District. No single food premises was patronized by all of the cases. Investigations are ongoing with special attention to food with localized distribution in that area and possibly special appeal to young people.
CHP's Consultant, Dr Thomas Tsang, said: "Special investigations are being conducted to ascertain possible food vehicles or food handlers as the source of infection. These include specialized epidemiological studies and the collection of over 200 samples for laboratory testing. More results are expected over the next two to three weeks."
During the past one month starting from November 25, the CHP received 12 notifications of typhoid cases. Of these 12 cases, nine patients lived in Yuen Long, one lived in Tuen Mun, one in Sham Shui Po. One other case was classified as imported case.
Dr Tsang noted that for the case in Sham Shui Po and the imported case, laboratory tests showed that they are unlikely to be related to the cases in Yuen Long. Testing results on the remaining cases are pending.
Meanwhile, CHP is working closely with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) to implement control measures against typhoid fever in Yuen Long.
FEHD had inspected food premises in connection with the cases and mounted blitz operations on over 120 retail shops and market stalls selling siu mei and lo mei as well as meat roasting factories. Raids on illegal food hawkers were also conducted. FEHD will continue with operations against illegal food hawkers in the coming days. These operations will reduce the chance of typhoid fever spreading before more definitive investigation results are available.
Since the incubation period of typhoid fever can stretch to three weeks or more, Dr Tsang said it is possible that more previously infected cases would appear in the coming two to three weeks.
A total of 36 cases of typhoid fever have been reported so far this year while the figures for 2001 to 2004 are 67, 67, 49 and 53 respectively.
The public are advised to observe the following measures to prevent typhoid infection:
* Purchase fresh food from reliable sources. Do not patronize illegal hawkers.
* Food handlers should wash hands properly with soap and water before handling food.
* Cook food thoroughly before eating. This applies also to hot-pots which are popular during winter months.
* Wash raw fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
Ends/Saturday, December 24, 2005
Issued at HKT 13:13
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