On this day 65 years ago, Hongkongers rushed to vaccination centres as authorities implemented strict measures against cholera
4-MIN READ4-MIN ListenSCMPPublished: 4:15pm, 18 Aug 2026This article was first published on August 18, 1961.
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 has been admitted to Lai Chi Kok Hospital.
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 goods.
Warnings were issued to sellers but from today any offending stocks will be confiscated.
Two special committees have been set up to plan the Colony’s fight against the disease.
One under the Director of Medical and Health Services will meet daily to coordinate all health and medical activities during the cholera threat.
