Fish stall closes amidst cholera bacteria scare

Cleaning and disinfection measures are on-going.

According to a report, the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department today ordered the temporary closure of a fish stall for thorough disinfection following the detection of Vibrio cholerae in a water sample collected from its fish tank.

The stall is on the first floor of Quarry Bay Market.

The sample was taken on July 16, and the test result obtained today confirmed the presence of Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor serotype Ogawa.

To protect public health, the Director of Food & Environmental Hygiene ordered the immediate closure of the stall for thorough cleaning and disinfection of the premises and fish tank.

The department will also boost cleaning operations within the market.

It said cholera can be killed by thorough cooking.

To prevent cholera people should wash and scrub shellfish thoroughly; clean seafood and remove internal organs, and cook thoroughly before consumption; handle raw and cooked food with separate sets of utensils to avoid cross-contamination; and, store raw and cooked food separately.