When 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.”