The Department of Health of Hong Kong on Saturday urged the public to be on guard against food-borne infections following the confirmation of a case of co-infection with Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus.

The case, which is the first reported cholera case in Hong Kong in 2003, involved a 39-year-old woman who suffered from watery diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever. She is now in stable condition in hospital, according to the health department.

In addition to bacteria causing cholera, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a type of bacteria causing fever and diarrhea was also found in the same specimen from the patient, the department said, adding the source of infection has not been identified yet.

A spokesman for the department said that the best way to prevent cholera and other food-borne diseases is to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times.

Four confirmed cholera cases were reported in 2002 among which two were imported and two were local cases.