XN000022-1973-05-28 — Page 6

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Monday, May 28, 1973

"In these circumstances," Dr. Choa said, "stored water should be

boiled before drinking. This is not a reflection on the quality of

the water, but relates to storage conditions."

In a reference to personal hygiene, he explained that when

this was seriously taken into account by members of the public, it amounted

to "a protective measure not only against cholera, but also other intestinal

diseases such as typhoid and dysentery."

He emphasised that there had only been 10 cases of cholera in

the last eight years, but with summer now here, it was necessary to draw

attention to the need for protective measures.

"People get cholera by taking in the vibrio carried from the

waste of infectious persons to exposed food and water, and flies aid in

the spread of the disease," he said.

Departmental measures being taken to prevent any outbreak of

cholera in Hong Kong, and to locate carriers of the disease, include the

testing of night soil and samples from all cases of diarrhoea that come

to light.

Cholera vaccinations are available free at all government clinics

and vaccination centres for intending travellers.

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