The Centre for Health Protection has confirmed a case of cholera involving a 75-year-old woman, bringing the number of cases this year to five.

The patient travelled to Guangzhou on September 7 and returned to Hong Kong on September 11. She developed symptoms of diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting on September 12 and was admitted to Queen Mary Hospital in stable condition.

Laboratory tests confirmed she had contracted the Vibrio cholerae O1 Ogawa.

The Centre for Health Protection reminds the public to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times - whether in Hong Kong or travelling abroad -to prevent cholera and food-borne infections.

Ministry of Health steps up surveillance

Cholera is endemic in the Asia-Pacific region and usually occurs during summer months. Occasional outbreaks are also found.

According to the Ministry of Health, more cholera cases have been reported on the Mainland so far this year compared with the same period last year. The centre learned the ministry had instructed all provinces to step up surveillance measures and source tracing as well as health education. A series of preventive measures were also implemented.