The Centre for Health Protection has confirmed an imported case of cholera involving an expatriate, bringing the year's total to five - all imported.

The patient, a 23-year-old man, developed diarrhoea and vomiting when he arrived in Hong Kong from India on September 27.

He was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in stable condition. Lab tests showed he had vibrio cholerae 01 Inaba.

The best way to prevent cholera and food-borne diseases is to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times, the centre said.

Precautionary measures to prevent disease

People are reminded to:

* clean and cook seafood thoroughly before eating, particularly crustaceans and bivalves such as 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 refrigerator (at 4 degrees Celsius or below) and thoroughly reheat leftover food before eating; and

* keep the environment clean.

When travelling outside Hong Kong:

* always wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet;

* eat only thoroughly cooked food and food from sealed packs or cans;

* avoid cold dishes such as salad and ice cream;

* drink only boiled water, canned or bottled drinks, pasteurised milk or dairy products;

* do not add ice to drinks and do not drink fresh fruit juice that has been prepared beforehand;

* do not patronise illegal food hawkers; and