A 76-year-old woman has been confirmed to have cholera, the third Hong Kong case this year.

The Department of Health today said the patient developed watery diarrhoea on July 8 and was admitted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital on July 11. 

The strain was identified as Ogawa. She is now in stable condition.

She did not travel abroad during the incubation period. Her family members have been screened by the department and found to be asymptomatic. The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department has disinfected her residences in Sha Tin and Eastern District.

The Department of Health reminded the public to guard against cholera during the hot season. Epidemiologic data from previous years shows that cholera is more active during summer months.

In 2002, there were four cholera cases, of which two were imported.

To prevent cholera and other food-borne diseases, people are advised to take the following measures:

* Clean and cook seafood thoroughly before consumption, particularly items like shrimp, crab, oysters and clams;

* Wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet;

* Handle raw and cooked food with separate utensils to prevent cross contamination;

* Keep raw and cooked food separately;

* Store food in the refrigerator (at four degrees Celsius or below) and adequately reheat leftover food before consumption; and,

* Keep the environment clean.

For more information, call the department's 24-hour hotline (2833-0111) or visit its website.