Hong Kong scrambles to contain cholera outbreak in 1961 – from the SCMP archive
This article was first published on August 18, 1961. Hong Kong declared infected area Authorities adopt strict measures against cholera Stringent health measures to protect Hong Kong have been taken following the confirmation yesterday (August 17, 1961) of four cases of cholera and the declaration of the Colony as an infected area. There have been two deaths from the disease and another suspect…
In August 1961, Hong Kong faced a cholera outbreak, with four confirmed cases resulting in two deaths. The Colony was declared an infected area, prompting strict health measures to protect its population. Health inspectors, accompanied by police officers, began visiting street markets in Hong Kong and Kowloon to inspect cut fruit and other potentially dangerous goods, with sellers warned that offending stocks would be confiscated.
Two special committees were established to coordinate the fight against the disease: one under the Director of Medical and Health Services, meeting daily to oversee health and medical activities, and the other under the Deputy Colonial Secretary, responsible for formulating overall policy and ensuring smooth implementation of emergency measures.
Inoculation centers saw thousands of people seeking protection, with staff working long hours to meet the demand. All regular inoculation centers and clinics remained open for additional vaccinations on the following afternoon, evening, and Sunday.
The Army, Navy, and Air Force organized extensive vaccination campaigns for servicemen and their families, with personnel at HMS Tamar and visiting warships receiving necessary inoculations. Additional hospital facilities were equipped to handle any cholera emergency, and the ferry companies faced a significant drop in passenger traffic, with one ferry carrying only 10% of its usual passengers. Transit passengers on the RMS Cathay were vaccinated upon arrival.
Some Hong Kong residents were refused passage to the Colony on the Takshing due to incomplete inoculation, despite having received a first-dose vaccination. Health services were curtailed to provide more inoculators, with teams visiting boat people and food inspectors stationed at key locations to monitor food safety. The origin of farm produce entering the Colony was under investigation, and urban areas had their wells checked and chlorinated. Health inspectors also joined an anti-fly campaign, spraying insecticides in suspected areas.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post - Hong Kong's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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