Reminder on preventive measures against cholera
The Centre for Food Safety of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (July 21) reminded people to pay special attention to food safety in the current hot and humid summer to prevent cholera.
"Cholera is an infectious disease caused by Vibrio cholerae, the incubation period of which ranges from a few hours to five days.
"Consuming food or water soiled by infected patients or carriers of the pathogen can lead to cholera infection. The symptoms include severe diarrhoea and vomiting.
"Onset of diarrhoea may be rapid and severe, which may lead to dehydration. If treatment is delayed, cholera could be fatal," a spokesman for the centre said.
As Vibrio cholerae could be present in seawater, seafood such as oysters, cockles, shrimps and crabs may thus be contaminated by the bacterium.
Cold dishes like sashimi, vegetable salads and fruits, if not properly handled, are also susceptible to contamination.
"If contaminated foods are served without thorough cooking, the Vibrio cholerae present could lead to cholera cases," he said.
People are advised to take the following preventive measures against cholera infection:
Purchasing food
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* Patronise licensed and reputable food premises;
* Pay attention to the hygiene condition of shops and the holding temperature of food; and
* Buy shellfish which are fresh, with intact shell and no obtrusive smell.
Food handling
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* Keep raw and cooked food separately and place cooked food in the upper shelf of a refrigerator;
* Clean seafood, especially shellfish, thoroughly with the viscera removed and cook seafood thoroughly before consumption;
* Use separate utensils and equipment to handle raw and cooked food to prevent cross contamination;
* Cook seafood thoroughly before consumption (condiments such as salt, vinegar, wine and wasabi cannot kill bacteria in raw seafood).
* Store left-over foods in a refrigerator at a temperature below 4 degrees Celsius and reheat them thoroughly before consumption; and
* Discard any food if spoilage is suspected.
Personal hygiene
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* Pay attention to personal hygiene and wash hands thoroughly before eating, or preparing food, and after going to toilet.
Ends/Friday, July 21, 2006
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