While the world continues its fight against the deadly coronavirus, another outbreak may have taken place in Hong Kong’s wet market.<o:p></o:p>

As per local reports, recently an outbreak of a potentially dangerous bacterial infection took place in Hong Kong. The outbreak was, as per initial investigations, linked to the freshwater fish being sold by some vendors in the city’s wet market.<o:p></o:p>

When the authorities caught wind of this news, medical experts advised all locals to not consume raw seafood for the next few days at least.<o:p></o:p>

The decision was taken after 79 cases of invasive Group B Streptococcus bacteria infection were detected in public hospitals. These cases had been spotted between a brief period of September and October 10.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-a-new-infection-is-spreading-from-hong-kongs-wet-markets-422778">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-a-new-infection-is-spreading-from-hong-kongs-wet-markets-422778/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Thursday, the toll increased to 88 and nine additional cases were reported of this bacterial infection by the Centre for Health Protection.<o:p></o:p>

As per now, experts have been able to link these cases to grass carp, bighead carp and snakehead fish. Businesses have been warned to take care while handling seafood.<o:p></o:p>

Lee Choi-wah, chairman of the Hong Kong Chamber of Seafood Merchants has also expressed concern over the possible losses that businesses might face due to this outbreak.<o:p></o:p>

"People may just go to supermarkets instead of wet markets to shop for fish because they may think supermarkets have better hygiene standards," Lee told a radio programme.<o:p></o:p>

While this infection — which is commonly seen in intestinal, urinary and reproductive tracts — does not cause major harm and does not bring in any symptoms, it can cause infections in bone, lungs, blood and also the protective membranes near the spinal cord and brain.<o:p></o:p>

As of now, two people have lost their fight to this infection’ they were reportedly carrying a strain known as serotype III sequence type 283 (ST283). Till Wednesday, 68 out of 88 patients had provided their specimens for genetic sequencing and 32 had ST283 and 27 had a different strain from a different cluster. Results of the remaining nine cases are yet to be announced.<o:p></o:p>

While the world continues its fight against the deadly coronavirus, another outbreak may have taken place in Hong Kong’s wet market. As per local reports, recently an outbreak of a potentially dangerous bacterial infection took place in Hong Kong.

While the world continues its fight against the deadly coronavirus, another outbreak may have taken place in Hong Kong’s wet market. As per local reports, recently an outbreak of a potentially dangerous bacterial infection took place in Hong Kong. The outbreak was, as per initial investigations, linked to the freshwater fish being sold by some vendors in the city’s wet market. When the authorities caught wind of this news, medical experts advised all locals to not consume raw seafood for the next few days at least. The decision was taken after 79 cases of invasive Group B Streptococcus bacteria infection were detected in public hospitals. These cases had been spotted between a brief period of September and October 10. WATCH | On Thursday, the toll increased to 88 and nine additional cases were reported of this bacterial infection by the Centre for Health Protection. As per now, experts have been able to link these cases to grass carp, bighead carp and snakehead fish. Businesses have been warned to take care while handling seafood. Lee Choi-wah, chairman of the Hong Kong Chamber of Seafood Merchants has also expressed concern over the possible losses that businesses might face due to this outbreak. "People may just go to supermarkets instead of wet markets to shop for fish because they may think supermarkets have better hygiene standards," Lee told a radio programme. While this infection — which is commonly seen in intestinal, urinary and reproductive tracts — does not cause major harm and does not bring in any symptoms, it can cause infections in bone, lungs, blood and also the protective membranes near the spinal cord and brain. As of now, two people have lost their fight to this infection’ they were reportedly carrying a strain known as serotype III sequence type 283 (ST283). Till Wednesday, 68 out of 88 patients had provided their specimens for genetic sequencing and 32 had ST283 and 27 had a different strain from a different cluster. Results of the remaining nine cases are yet to be announced.

New outbreak of bacteria infection reported in wet markets of Hong Kong

Our childhood must have memories of trips to the bustling local bazaar. I remember the mountains of vegetables and fruit stacked in cane baskets. A riot of colours and smells. The sounds of hawkers calling out, and customers haggling and talking. The meats and the fish was in a corner towards the end, fresh flowers and the nariyal paani guy sat at the entrance. The emergence of supermarkets and online grocery stores might have changed things a little in urban centres, but most of India still shop for food from similar ‘wet markets’ in their neighbourhood, either early morning or on their way back from work.

A live animal market in Wuhan was held responsible for the pandemic that has dragged the world to a massive slowdown. The exact origins of the virus is unknown, but given that the outbreak in the initial phases was linked to a local wet market in Wuhan, questions are being asked about the safety of such markets. Close proximity of species, unhygienic conditions and stressed animals, which results in lower immunity, can be dangerous. Birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals are all potential threats. There is a real possibility of newer, deadlier viruses making the jump from them to us.&nbsp;

World leaders led by the UN, have called for a global ban on wildlife markets to prevent future pandemics such as the COVID-19. There are growing calls, particularly from the western world, to shut down live animal markets. But despite their valid fears, it will not be a sustainable solution. Wet markets are a part of the culinary culture of the east. The tradition is to eat fresh food, not frozen, bought from a vendor you trust, not a faceless corporation who has packaged and neatly labelled your meat. Australia’s Prime Minister is ‘totally puzzled’ by this phenomenon, which is but a way of life for us.&nbsp;

Millions of traders, hawkers, butchers and vendors in India make their living through markets like these. The size of our meat, poultry and fish business is well over billions of dollars. Over 70 per cent of our country is non-vegetarian, and although poultry is most consumed, we also eat porcupine, deer, frogs, boar, worms, rabbits, snakes, snails, quails, tortoise, bison and dogs.&nbsp;

Wet markets are cheaper, more personal and no doubt they are fresher. Yes, rules are flouted, exotic animals sold, livestock stacked mercilessly and entrails, faecus, blood and feather clot the drains. Most of the meat we consume is farmed, where animals are reared, pumped with antibiotics and bred solely to be consumed. All of that ideally should change.

But a total ban is unfair. It doesn’t solve the problem. There is a risk of infection every time we encroach on forests to build settlements. Animals are slaughtered not just in the markets, but for religious ceremonies. They are killed for food and medicine. A ban will only lead to a thriving black market, where controls will be even tougher.&nbsp;

Food is essential for life. So much of our culture, memories, habits and customs are associated with food. There is enough historical evidence to show that we ate a vast variety of meats even thousands of years ago. The Vedas listed around fifty animals that were suitable for sacrifice, and hence could be consumed. This diversity is our culinary heritage. What we eat, how we source it, cook it and eat it, defines our choices and who we are.

Traditional markets are under the scanner for the right reasons, but banning them is not a solution. Even contemplating such a move, is inherently unfair.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) .&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Our childhood must have memories of trips to the bustling local bazaar. I remember the mountains of vegetables and fruit stacked in cane baskets. A riot of colours and smells.

Our childhood must have memories of trips to the bustling local bazaar. I remember the mountains of vegetables and fruit stacked in cane baskets. A riot of colours and smells. The sounds of hawkers calling out, and customers haggling and talking. The meats and the fish was in a corner towards the end, fresh flowers and the nariyal paani guy sat at the entrance. The emergence of supermarkets and online grocery stores might have changed things a little in urban centres, but most of India still shop for food from similar ‘wet markets’ in their neighbourhood, either early morning or on their way back from work. A live animal market in Wuhan was held responsible for the pandemic that has dragged the world to a massive slowdown. The exact origins of the virus is unknown, but given that the outbreak in the initial phases was linked to a local wet market in Wuhan, questions are being asked about the safety of such markets. Close proximity of species, unhygienic conditions and stressed animals, which results in lower immunity, can be dangerous. Birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals are all potential threats. There is a real possibility of newer, deadlier viruses making the jump from them to us. World leaders led by the UN, have called for a global ban on wildlife markets to prevent future pandemics such as the COVID-19. There are growing calls, particularly from the western world, to shut down live animal markets. But despite their valid fears, it will not be a sustainable solution. Wet markets are a part of the culinary culture of the east. The tradition is to eat fresh food, not frozen, bought from a vendor you trust, not a faceless corporation who has packaged and neatly labelled your meat. Australia’s Prime Minister is ‘totally puzzled’ by this phenomenon, which is but a way of life for us. Millions of traders, hawkers, butchers and vendors in India make their living through markets like these. The size of our meat, poultry and fish business is well over billions of dollars. Over 70 per cent of our country is non-vegetarian, and although poultry is most consumed, we also eat porcupine, deer, frogs, boar, worms, rabbits, snakes, snails, quails, tortoise, bison and dogs. Wet markets are cheaper, more personal and no doubt they are fresher. Yes, rules are flouted, exotic animals sold, livestock stacked mercilessly and entrails, faecus, blood and feather clot the drains. Most of the meat we consume is farmed, where animals are reared, pumped with antibiotics and bred solely to be consumed. All of that ideally should change. But a total ban is unfair. It doesn’t solve the problem. There is a risk of infection every time we encroach on forests to build settlements. Animals are slaughtered not just in the markets, but for religious ceremonies. They are killed for food and medicine. A ban will only lead to a thriving black market, where controls will be even tougher. Food is essential for life. So much of our culture, memories, habits and customs are associated with food. There is enough historical evidence to show that we ate a vast variety of meats even thousands of years ago. The Vedas listed around fifty animals that were suitable for sacrifice, and hence could be consumed. This diversity is our culinary heritage. What we eat, how we source it, cook it and eat it, defines our choices and who we are. Traditional markets are under the scanner for the right reasons, but banning them is not a solution. Even contemplating such a move, is inherently unfair. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) .

Local markets are a way of life

World Health Organization (W.H.O.) has taken a u-turn on wet markets. W.H.O. says that these markets are source of livelihood. Watch report.

W.H.O. takes a u-turn on wet markets, rejects call to ban wet markets

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