Health Authorities Investigate E. coli Infection Case in Young Girl, Urge Public to Maintain Hygiene

CHP investigates case of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (November 12) investigating a case of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection, and hence reminded the public to maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene against intestinal infections.

The case involves a 1-year-old girl with good past health, who presented with diarrhoea on October 28. She was brought to CUHK Medical Centreon October 31. Her condition was stable and did not require hospitalisation.

Her stool specimen grew STEC upon laboratory testing.

Initial enquiries of the CHP revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. Information from the patient's family members revealed that she did not consume any high-risk food (such as raw meat and unpasteurised dairy products) during the incubation period. Her home contacts are asymptomatic so far. The CHP is following up their health conditions and the relevant investigations are ongoing.

"Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacterium that is commonly found in the gut of humans and warm-blooded animals. Most strains of E. coli are harmless. Some strains, however, such as STEC, can produce powerful toxins and cause severe food-borne disease. The most recognised serogroup of STEC is E. coli O157:H7," a spokesman for the CHP explained.

Preventive measures for STEC infection are similar to those recommended for other food-borne diseases. The public are advised to observe good personal and food hygiene:

Adopt the Five Keys to Food Safety in handling food, i.e. Choose (choose safe raw materials), Clean (keep hands and utensils clean), Separate (separate raw and cooked food), Cook (cook thoroughly) and Safe Temperature (keep food at a safe temperature) to prevent food-borne diseases;

Wash hands properly with liquid soap and water before handling food, after handling raw meat or poultry and before eating, and after going to the toilet or changing diapers;

Cook food and boil water thoroughly before consumption. When cooking or reheating, the core temperature of the food should reach at least 75 degrees Celsius;

Avoid consumption of unpasteurised milk or undercooked food; and

Consult your doctor immediately if you have symptoms of STEC infection, particularly bloody diarrhoea.

The public may visit the CHP'sSTEC pagefor more information.

Tropical Cyclone Toraji situation report (1)

The Hong Kong Observatory issued No. 8 Northeast Gale or Storm Signal at 11.10pm yesterday (November 13).

The Home Affairs Department has so far opened 27 temporary shelters in various districts and 101 people have sought refuge at the shelters.

As at 2am today (November 14), the Government's 1823 Call Centre received one report of fallen trees. The Fire Services Department and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department have not received any reports of fallen trees. No report of landslide or flooding has been received so far.

According to the Hospital Authority, as at 2am today, no people have sought medical treatment at the Accident and Emergency Departments at public hospitals during the typhoon period.