When 129 people were infected – and 15 people died – from a cholera outbreak in Hong Kong
In 1961, 2 suspected cholera cases led to an extensive vaccination campaign and the confiscation of produce in Hong Kong’s markets
“The boy was brought in dead to the Kowloon Public Mortuary from a junk at Cheung Sha Wan. The girl, who came from the western seaboard of the New Territories, was admitted to hospital.”
“In a statement yesterday, Dr the Hon. D.J.M. Mackenzie, director of medical health services, repeated his advice given on Tuesday – ‘do not be anxious but do be careful.’”
On August 18, the Post reported that “mobile teams of health inspectors, with police officers, have started visiting street markets in Hong Kong and Kowloon to inspect cut fruit and similar dangerous foods. Warnings were issued to sellers, but from today, any offending stocks will be confiscated.”
“All regular inoculation centres and clinics will stay open tomorrow afternoon and evening, and all day on Sunday. Extensive vaccination campaigns have been organised by the Army, Navy and Air Force to inoculate servicemen and their families.”
On August 21, the paper stated, “the number of confirmed cholera cases rose to 20 yesterday, and the full-scale inoculation campaign will be resumed today with the arrival of the first bulk consignment of anti-cholera vaccine from overseas.”
August 25 brought news that “another cholera victim died yesterday morning, bringing the total number of deaths from cholera to six. Five more suspected cases were confirmed yesterday and the total number of confirmed cholera cases now stands at 58, including the six deaths.”
That number had reached 100 by September 1 and, on September 28, the Post reported, “The number of confirmed cholera cases up to 5pm yesterday remained the same as that of the previous day – 129, including 15 deaths. None of the confirmed cases was on the danger list and there was no suspect under observation. There were 20 contacts in the Sai Ying Pun quarantine centre.”