CHP investigates imported cholera case
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The male patient, aged 47 with good past health, travelled to Pakistan from July 20 to 29 and developed diarrhea on July 27. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Tseung Kwan O Hospital on August 2 and was admitted to the hospital today for isolation and management. He has been in a stable condition all along.
His stool specimen tested positive for toxigenic Vibrio cholerae O1 Inaba upon testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch today.
Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had no travel collaterals and his home contacts remained asymptomatic. Investigations are ongoing.
"Most cholera patients have gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea or vomiting. Some patients with severe symptoms present with a sudden onset of profuse diarrhoea with rice-water-like and fishy smelling stools, nausea and vomiting. Without prompt treatment, these patients may die from severe dehydration," a spokesman for the CHP said.
Cholera is usually contracted through consumption of food or water contaminated with Vibrio cholerae. Human-to-human transmission rarely happens.
The CHP advised the public to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene both locally and during travel:
- Wash hands properly with liquid soap and water before eating or handling food, after toilet or changing diapers, and after handling garbage;
- Avoid handling food when having symptoms of vomiting or diarrhoea;
- Purchase food from hygienic and reliable sources. Do not patronise illegal hawkers;
- Handle raw, cooked and ready-to-eat food with separate utensils and store them separately;
- Ensure thorough cooking of food before consumption;
- Discard any spoilt food;
- Clean refrigerator regularly. Maintain the fridge at or below four degrees Celsius and freezer at or below -18 degrees Celsius;
- Maintain proper sanitary facilities and drainage system; and
- Cleanse and disinfect toilets used by infected person and the soiled areas.
In addition, travellers to cholera-affected areas should:
- Cook food and boil water thoroughly before consumption. Do not patronise illegal hawkers. Avoid eating cold dishes like salads. Wash and peel fruits by yourself. Do not use ice for beverages. If water cannot be boiled, treat water with chlorine or iodine before consumption; and
- Travellers returning from affected areas should consult a doctor promptly if symptoms develop. Reveal the travel history and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene.
The public may visit the CHP's cholera page for more information.
Ends/Friday, August 5, 2016
Issued at HKT 20:52
Issued at HKT 20:52
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