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Action over flesh-eating bacteria

Housing officials yesterday promised to consider measures to improve hygiene at wet markets in Tai Po after a woman became infected with flesh-eating bacteria two months ago and died.

The officials made the pledge after a visit to a wet market at Fu Shin Estate at the invitation of district councillors.

The visit was arranged after a 62-year-old woman from Tai Po died of Vibrio vulnificus infection on June 9 - two days after she was admitted to hospital for pain and swelling in her left ankle.

She reportedly fell ill with the cholera-like disease after coming into contact with infected pork at a Tai Po market.

The Centre for Health Protection said two other cases of Vibrio vulnificus infection had come to its attention in the past four weeks.

A 55-year-old woman from Kwun Tong was admitted to United Christian hospital on July 9 and is now in stable condition. She had a scratch on her left knee when she visited a wet market, the centre said. On May 10, a 78-year-old man was admitted to hospital with the infection and died on the same day.

Eight Tai Po councillors yesterday signed an open letter to the housing and hygiene officials, requesting an improvement in sanitation conditions of wet markets in the district. They said the markets should be cleaned more often, air-conditioning installed, and plastic gloves and disinfectant dispensers made available.

Housing Authority Property Services manager Szeto Io-chong said they would consider the requests and consult stall owners. He said they had already strengthened hygiene measures at the wet markets after the woman's death.

The councillors also urged the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department to conduct a thorough inspection of wet markets in the district.

One of the councillors, Kwan Wing-yip, said he was disappointed that the hygiene officials did not show up despite being invited to join the visit.

A spokesman for the department later said: 'How and where the deceased contracted the bacteria is still not confirmed yet. We do not want to cause unnecessary misunderstandings and fear.'

Some customers said they were not worried and would not use protective gear even if it was provided.

One woman said: 'This market is quite clean already. As long as I clean and cook the seafood thoroughly, there should be no problem. I do not use gloves.'

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