Good hygiene to prevent cholera

"The best way to prevent the spread of cholera and other food-borne diseases is to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times," the spokesman said.

To-date four imported cholera cases were reported in Hong Kong this year. The figures for 2003, 2002 and 2001 were 7 (including 6 local cases), 4 (2 local cases) and 38 (25 local cases) respectively.

The spokesman reminded the public to:

* Clean and cook seafood thoroughly before eating, particularly crustaceans and bivalves such as shrimps, crabs, oysters and clams, and remove the viscera if appropriate;
* Wash hands before eating and after going to toilet;
* Handle raw and cooked food separately (upper compartment of the refrigerator for cooked food and lower compartment for raw food) to avoid cross contamination;
* Store food in refrigerator well covered (at 4 degrees Celsius or below) and thoroughly reheat leftover food before eating;
* Keep the environment clean.

When traveling outside Hong Kong:

* Always wash hands before eating and after going to 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, pasteurized milk or dairy products;
* Do not add ice to drinks and do not drink fresh fruit juice that has been prepared beforehand;
* Do not patronize illegal food hawkers; and
* Wash fruit thoroughly before eating and do not eat fruit that has already been peeled or cut open.

End/Tuesday, July 27, 2004