Hong Kong, PRC SAR: Epi-Surveillance (September 2008, Govt Press Releases)

[Shiloh]

Source: http://www.worldjournal.com/wj-hk-news.php?nt_seq_id=1767779

Google translation:
Order of the virus wins brother sister hospital infection

Hong Kong - An outbreak of infectious diseases in the haze, the new school year started on the 1st. Prince of Wales Hospital on August 30 morning a 11-month-old baby boy from the mainland to Hong Kong to hospital rapidly after death, the Center for Health Protection of the respiratory tests confirmed that he had samples of EV71-positive. The three-year-old baby sister on the 31st morning also came to Hong Kong patients, laboratory tests revealed that the same virus infection, admitted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital. Infectious diseases specialist Lo Wing-lok said, EV71 intestinal virus this year in mainland China and Hong Kong speed the spread of more mainland so many children died. The new school year, he fears that local cases soared to alert parents and school children pay attention to personal hygiene, especially between the two places to be a day of cross-border students.

CHP spokesman said the boy died after Xin Xiaobin, Guangdong Province, Haifeng living in the three-year-old sister, because of fever and limbs rash, accompanied by friends and relatives to come to Hong Kong doctor in the Eastern Hospital, is in stable condition. Center for Health Protection in the first eight months of this year received a total of 79 cases of enterovirus EV71, five times more than last year, breaking the record over the years, four children died due to serious complications.

 

[Giuseppe]

Hong Kong, PRC SAR: Epi-Surveillance (September 2008, Govt Press Releases)

New thread for current month.

 

[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong, PRC SAR: Epi-Surveillance (September 2008, Govt Press Releases)

A case of EV71 confirmed

September 3 2008, 12.16.01

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 3) reminded members of the public to be vigilant against Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection following confirmation of one EV71 case involving a 24-year-old woman.

The woman developed oral ulcer and rash over her hands and feet on August 23 while travelling on the Mainland.

She came back to Hong Kong on August 25 and was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on August 28.

She was discharged on September 1.

Laboratory results of her stool specimens yielded positive results for EV71.

The CHP's investigation revealed that she visited the Mainland with three relatives between August 2 and 25.

One of the companions, a 14-year-old girl, developed symptoms of Hand Foot Mouth Disease on August 28 and had recovered.

A total of 82 EV71 infection cases have been reported to CHP so far this year. There were 35, eight, 16 and 12 cases in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively.

For more information, the public may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong, PRC SAR: Epi-Surveillance (September 2008, Govt Press Releases)

Imported case of dengue fever confirmed

September 3 2008, 13.38.11

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 3) urged people to guard against dengue fever following the confirmation of an imported case by laboratory test.

The case involved a 25-year-old man who went to the Philippines with his wife and daughter between August 23 and 25.

He developed symptoms of dengue fever including fever, and malaise on August 31. He was admitted to Queen Mary Hospitalon September 1 and is now in stable condition.

His family members did not have similar symptoms.

A total of 28 cases of imported dengue fever have been reported to the CHP so far this year. 58 cases were reported in 2007 and all of them were classified as imported cases.

A spokesman for CHP urged the public to stay alert to the threat of dengue fever and to help prevent mosquito breeding by taking the following measures:

* Put all used cans and bottles into dustbins with covers;
* Change water for plants at least once a week, leaving no water in the saucers underneath flower pots;
* Tightly cover all water containers, wells and water storage tanks, and
* Keep all drains free from blockage.

Travellers should take the following preventive measures:
* Wear long-sleeved tops and trousers;
* Use insect repellent on the exposed parts of the body, and
* Use mosquito screens or nets when rooms are not air-conditioned.

Anyone feeling unwell after returning from their trip should consult a doctor as soon as possible and provide details of their travel to the doctor.

The latest information on dengue fever in other places can be found under "Outbreak News" on the Hong Kong Travel Health Service website, www.travelhealth.gov.hk/eindex.html.

Travel agents, tour guides and travellers can visit the website for the latest news and advice on preventive measures.
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http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200809/03/P200809030238.htm
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[Shiloh]

Re: Hong Kong, PRC SAR: Epi-Surveillance (September 2008, Govt Press Releases)

Source: http://www.news.gov.hk/en/category/healthandcommunity/080904/html/080904en05016.htm

Coroner to probe girl's death
Centre for Health Protection

The Coroner's Court will investigate the death of a six-year-old girl who died at Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital on September 3.

She came down with fever, abdominal pain, headache and vomiting on September 1 and attended the hospital's accident and emergency department the next day and was discharged after treatment.

She then saw a private doctor September 3 and was taken to the hospital in the evening and later died.

She tested negative for influenza-A and B, parainfluenza, adenovirus and respiratory syncytial virus and enterovirus.

Investigations are underway to ascertain whether she died from an infective or a non-infective cause. She had spent time in Guangdong and Hong Kong in August.

Centre for Health Protection staff have visited her school to give health advice. The school has had no outbreak of infectious disease.

 

[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong, PRC SAR: Epi-Surveillance (September 2008, Govt Press Releases)

A case of necrotising fasciitis confirmed

September 4 2008, 13.03.11

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 4) received a report of a case of necrotising fasciitis (flesh-eating disease) involving a 50-year-old man.

The man, living in Sham Shui Po, noted a rash on his left calf on August 30.He later developed painful swelling over both his calves and was admitted to Caritas Medical Centre on September 1.

He is now in critical condition.

Laboratory tests on his wound swab yielded vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis.

The CHP is now investigating the case.

A CHP spokesman said necrotising fasciitis was a serious bacterial infection of the soft tissue and fascia.

It can destroy tissue and can cause death within 12 to 24 hours after infection.

Members of the public are reminded to adopt the following preventive measures:
- Avoid exposure of open wounds or broken skin to sea water or salty water;
- Wounds should be thoroughly cleaned and properly covered;
- Wear thick rubber gloves when handling raw shellfish;

Patients should seek medical advice promptly if symptoms and signs of infection, such as increasing redness, pain and swelling, are found.
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http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200809/04/P200809040212.htm
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong, PRC SAR: Epi-Surveillance (September 2008, Govt Press Releases)

Child death reported under paediatric surveillance programme

September 4 2008, 13.16.01

A spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 4) said the Centre had received one report involving a child death notified through the paediatric surveillance programme (PSP) set up by the CHP with private and public hospitals.

Since the PSP was set up in March 2008, it has recorded seven child death reports involving various infective conditions, excluding the present report.

Statistics gathered from death certificates indicated that in previous years, a baseline average of 15 - 20 children aged nine years or below died from primary infective causes in Hong Kong each year.

The last two recorded child deaths under the PSP were an 11-month- old child with EV71 infected outside Hong Kong (onset August 29), and a three-year-old Pakistani child living locally with suspected sepsis and encephalopathy (onset August 8).

The new report involved a six-year-old girl who developed fever, abdominal pain, headache and vomiting on September 1 and attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) on September 2.

She was discharged after treatment. The girl sought medical treatment from a private doctor on September 3 and was taken to PYNEH in the evening. She passed away on the same day.

She had spent time in both Guangdong province and Hong Kong in August.

Investigations are in progress to ascertain whether the girl died from an infective or a non-infective cause.

Initial laboratory tests on the girl??s nasopharyngeal aspirate specimen yielded negative results for influenza A and B, parainfluenza 1, 2 and 3, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus and enterovirus.

CHP staff have visited the school which the girl had attended and health advice has been given to the school.

The school did not have an outbreak of infectious disease.

The case will be referred to the Coroner's Court for investigation. The CHP's investigation is on-going.
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http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200809/04/P200809040203.htm
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong, PRC SAR: Epi-Surveillance (September 2008, Govt Press Releases)

Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital responds to a child death case

September 4 2008, 13.44.41

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

In response to media enquiries, the spokesperson of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) gave the following reply today (September 4):

A six-year-old girl had developed symptoms of fever, sore throat and nausea since the night of September 1, 2008.

She then attended the Accident and Emergency Department (AED) of PYNEH in the early morning on September 2.

She was diagnosed to have upper respiratory tract infection. Her condition was stable and she was discharged after treatment.

Yesterday (September 3) afternoon, the girl sought medical treatment from a general practitioner for management of persistent fever. She was then accompanied by her parents to attend AED of PYNEH in the evening.

She had convulsion on her way to hospital and was found to have no respiration and pulse on arrival. She was certified dead at 8.43pm after resuscitation.

The case has been referred to the coroner for further investigation. We would like to send our condolences to her family.

The case has been reported to the Hospital Authority and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow up.
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http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200809/04/P200809040229.htm
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong, PRC SAR: Epi-Surveillance (September 2008, Govt Press Releases)

Norovirus infections involving two residents of Hong Kong Paralympic Village

September 4 2008, 17.44.11

In response to media enquiries, a spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 4) confirmed that the Centre received two reports of norovirus infections involving two residents of the Hong Kong Paralympic Village.

The spokesman said the two female residents, aged 19 and 53, developed gastroenteritis symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea on August 31 and September 1 respectively.

They were admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) on September 1 and 4 respectively for treatment.

Both of them are in stable condition.

Laboratory tests on their stool specimens yielded positive results to norovirus, a common cause of viral gastroenteritis.

There is no obvious link between the two cases and the cause of infection has not yet been ascertained.

CHP's investigation into the cases is continuing.

Meanwhile, another female resident of the village, aged 57, also developed gastroenteritis symptoms yesterday (September 3).

The patient has been admitted to PMH and is now in stable condition.

Laboratory tests on her stool specimens yielded negative results to norovirus.

CHP staff has visited the village and provided health advice, including stepping up of environmental disinfection, observing good personal hygiene, use of alcohol rub, to the management.

The village has carried out thorough disinfection according to CHP's advice.

CHP will closely monitor the health condition of residents and staff of the Village.

Symptoms of viral gastroenteritis infection include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdomen pain and mild fever.The disease generally lasts for only two to three days and subsides spontaneously.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong, PRC SAR: Epi-Surveillance (September 2008, Govt Press Releases)

Imported case of dengue fever confirmed

September 5 2008, 13.31.04

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 5) urged people to guard against dengue fever following the confirmation of an imported case by laboratory test.

The case involved a 46-year-old woman who went to Thailand alone between August 10 and 30.

She developed symptoms of dengue fever including fever, and rash on August 31.

She was admitted to Yan Chai Hospital on September 1 and was discharged on September 4.

Her family members did not have similar symptoms.

A total of 29 cases of imported dengue fever have been reported to the CHP so far this year.

58 cases were reported in 2007 and all of them were classified as imported cases.

A spokesman for CHP urged the public to stay alert to the threat of dengue fever and to help prevent mosquito breeding by taking the following measures:

* Put all used cans and bottles into dustbins with covers;
* Change water for plants at least once a week, leaving no water in the saucers underneath flower pots;
* Tightly cover all water containers, wells and water storage tanks, and
* Keep all drains free from blockage.

Travellers should take the following preventive measures:

* Wear long-sleeved tops and trousers;
* Use insect repellent on the exposed parts of the body, and
* Use mosquito screens or nets when rooms are not air-conditioned.

Anyone feeling unwell after returning from their trip should consult a doctor as soon as possible and provide details of their travel to the doctor.

The latest information on dengue fever in other places can be found under "Travel Health News" on the Hong Kong Travel Health Service website, www.travelhealth.gov.hk/eindex.html.

Travel agents, tour guides and travellers can visit the website for the latest news and advice on preventive measures.
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http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200809/05/P200809050273.htm
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong, PRC SAR: Epi-Surveillance (September 2008, Govt Press Releases)

No new case of norovirus infection in Paralympic Village

September 5 2008, 15.03.11

A spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health said there was no further report of norovirus infection or acute gastroenteritis in the Paralympic Village today (September 5).

The spokesman said the two female residents of the Village who were infected with norovirus and admitted to Princes of Wales Hospital and Princes Margaret Hospital were still under observation in the hospital.

"They are in stable condition and their symptoms of norovirus infection have subsided. We will assess their health condition tomorrow to see if they could be discharged," the spokesman said.

CHP's investigation into the cases is continuing in an attempt to ascertain the source of infection.

As regards the case of another female resident, aged 57, who had developed gastroenteritis symptoms, laboratory tests on her stool speciemens yielded negative results to norovirus.

The patient has been discharged.

"CHP has provided health advice to the residents and staff of the Paralympic Village.Hygienic measures have also been stepped up there.

"We will closely follow up over the next few days to see if there are any new cases in the Village," the spokesman said.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong, PRC SAR: Epi-Surveillance (September 2008, Govt Press Releases)

Residents of Paralympic Village discharged from hospitals

September 6 2008, 9.25.01

The two female residents of the Hong Kong Paralympic Village who were infected with norovirus and admitted to the Prince of Wales Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital respectively earlier this month were discharged from the hospitals today (September 6).

The two, aged 19 and 53, developed gastroenteritis symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea on August 31 and September 1 respectively.

There are no other outstanding cases of norovirus infection or acute gastroenteritis in the Paralympic Village.

The Director of Health, Dr PY Lam, said investigations have so far revealed there was no direct linkage between the two cases.

Laboratory tests on food samples taken from the Paralympic Village yielded negative results to norovirus, he said.

"The hygiene of the Village is of the highest standard and it has been accredited for implementation of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP). Food provided by the Village is safe," Dr Lam said.

He said the source of infection were still under investigations.

He explained that transmission of norovirus could occur through person-to-person contact, direct contact with infected secretions and contaminated objects.

"Observation of good personal hygiene as well as thorough disinfection will help to cut off transmission of the infection," he said.

CHP has provided health advice to residents and staff of the Village. The Village management has also carried out thorough disinfection and stepped up hygienic measures in their premises.

CHP would continue to closely monitor the health condition of the residents and staff of the Village, Dr Lam said.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong, PRC SAR: Epi-Surveillance (September 2008, Govt Press Releases)

Public reminded to be vigilant against upper respiratory tract infection

HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 9) called on members of the public and management of institutions to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent upper respiratory tract infection (URI).

The appeal was made following CHP's investigation into a report of URI outbreak in a correctional institution in Stanley.

The case affected 16 male inmates aged between 21 and 49.

They developed symptoms of URI, including fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat between September 5 and 9.

All of them received treatment in the institution and did not require hospitalization.

They are now in stable condition.

Staff of the CHP has conducted field visit to the institution and provided health instructions to the staff.

CHP will continue to closely monitor the institution.

To prevent upper respiratory tract infection and influenza, the public are advised to adopt the following measures:
*To build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking;
*To maintain good personal hygiene, and wash hands after sneezing, coughing and wear a mask when developing symptoms of respiratory infections;
*To maintain good ventilation; and
*To avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation, especially during peak influenza season.

Members of the public, particularly children, elderly people and those with chronic diseases, should wear face masks and consult their doctors for medical advice promptly if they develop symptoms of respiratory tract infection.

For more information on the disease, members of the public may visit the CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk).
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[Shiloh]

Re: Hong Kong, PRC SAR: Epi-Surveillance (September 2008, Govt Press Releases)

Source: http://news.gov.hk/en/category/healthandcommunity/080910/html/080910en05006.htm

September 10, 2008
Surveillance
*
21 ill in respiratory tract infection outbreak
*
Centre for Health Protection

Thirteen students and eight staff of a Tai Po special school have come down with respiratory tract infection symptoms, the Centre for Health Protection says.

The seven males and 14 females came down with a fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat September 4 to 9.

Eleven sought treatment from private doctors or government out-patient clinics. Two others were admitted to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital and are stable. One tested positive for respiratory syncytial virus.

Centre officials have visited the school to provide health advice. Investigations are underway.

 

[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong, PRC SAR: Epi-Surveillance (September 2008, Govt Press Releases)

Outbreak of respiratory tract infection in a special school

HKSAR Government Press Releases

A spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health said today (September 10) that the CHP is investigating an outbreak of respiratory tract infection affecting 13 children and 8 staff members of a special school in Tai Po.

The 7 males and 14 females developed symptoms of respiratory tract infection, including fever, cough, running nose and sore throat, between September 4 and 9.

11 of the victims attended private doctors or government out-patient clinics for treatment.

Two others were admitted to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital and they are now in stable condition.

Respiratory samples of one of the hospitalised children yielded positive results for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

CHP officials have made a field visit to the school and provided health instructions to the school management. Investigation is on-going.

The spokesman said that RSV is spread by direct contact with infectious secretions and can be easily transmitted among individuals in institutional settings.

"The incubation period is 1 to 10 days and is usually 5 to 7 days. Common symptoms include fever, chills, headache and decreased appetite," he noted.

To prevent respiratory tract infection caused by RSV, members of the public are advised to take the following measures:
* Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene;
* Keep hands clean and wash hands properly;
* Wash hands when they are contaminated by respiratory secretions;
* Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and mouth discharges properly;
* Infected persons should avoid contact with children or those with low body resistance.
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[Shiloh]

Re: Hong Kong, PRC SAR: Epi-Surveillance (September 2008, Govt Press Releases)

Source: http://www.news.gov.hk/en/category/healthandcommunity/080912/html/080912en05006.htm

September 12, 2008
Girls' deaths isolated
*
Centre for Health Protection

The Centre for Health Protection said today the recent deaths of four girls with acute febrile illness were unrelated.

Announcing the findings of investigations into the deaths of the girls, aged three, six, seven and nine, who died August 11 to September 3, the centre's controller Dr Thomas Tsang said they died of fulminant sepsis, acute myocarditis, acute viral encephalitis and post infectious encephalitis.

Extensive tests were conducted by the centre, the Hospital Authority, the University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University. He said the combination of epidemiological, clinical and microbiological evidence did not support a common microbial agent or source.


Isolated incidents

The cases were not clustered in a single geographical area and the girls attended different schools and shared no common activity, while detailed epidemiological investigations found no common exposures. All family and school contacts had no similar illnesses and no secondary spread was evident.

"The most likely conclusion is that the cases were sporadic and unrelated, and there was no increase in the number of such deaths," he said.

Up to 20 children aged nine or below died from primary infective causes in Hong Kong each year from 2004-07. The major causes of death were sepsis, encephalitis or encephalopathy, pneumonia, and myocarditis.

Vigilance advised

Dr Tsang reminded parents and child carers to supervise children and ensure they observe good personal hygiene to minimise the chance of infection. Children with acute febrile illness should not attend school until two days after abatement of the fever.

If a child has a fever, parents should closely observe their condition for signs of more serious disease, such as persistent high fever not responding to medication, severe vomiting, decreased level of consciousness, breathing difficulties and convulsions. Consult a doctor immediately in such cases.

 

[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong, PRC SAR: Epi-Surveillance (September 2008, Govt Press Releases)

Report on deaths of four children released [Hong Kong PRC SAR Centre for Health Protection]

The Controller for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health, Dr Thomas Tsang, today (September 12) presented the report of investigations into the deaths in August and earlier this month of four girls with acute febrile illness.

Dr Tsang said the combination of epidemiological, clinical and microbiological evidence did not support a common microbial agent or source for the cases.

"The most likely conclusion is that the cases were sporadic and unrelated, and there was no increase in the number of such deaths," he said.

Research into death statistics (2004-07) showed that the number of child death cases from primary infective causes in August was within historical baseline level, which ranged between 0 and five deaths per month.

The four girls, aged 3, 6, 7 and 9, passed away between August 11 and September 3.

Dr Tsang said extensive and in-depth laboratory tests were conducted on specimens taken from the cases.

These tests were conducted by the CHP, the Hospital Authority, the University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Tests results had so far been negative in accounting for the deaths of the cases, he said.

He explained that the negative results were not unexpected given similar experience in other countries.

"It is a known fact from the medical literature that an etiological agent is not identified in many cases of encephalitis and myocarditis. This may be related to a number of factors, such as immune response, administration of antibiotics or anti-viral agents, timing of specimen collection and so on," he said.

Dr Tsang stressed that negative test results did not establish that the cases were caused by new pathogens. ​

He said the death of the -year-old girl, who developed fever on August 8 and passed away in Prince of Wales Hospital (PWH) on August 13, was likely to be related to acute viral myocarditis.

"She had a premature birth at 29-weeks complicated by respiratory distress syndrome, mild cerebral palsy with near normal neurodevelopment," he said.

As for the 7-year-old girl who was admitted to PWH on August 7 with drowsiness and convulsion and passed away on August 22, Dr Tsang said clinical and MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) brain findings suggested acute viral encephalitis or post infectious encephalitis.

Dr Tsang said the 3-year-old girl who developed fever, cough, running nose and sore throat on August 8 and died in Kwong Wah Hospital on August 11 was found to have a very high white cell count.

"The diagnosis was fulminant sepsis," he said.

As for the 6-year-old girl who died in Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital on September 3, Dr Tsang said post-mortem findings showed her death was probably linked to acute myocarditis.

He said the presence of host factors and underlying illnesses may have contributed at least partly to adverse outcomes in some of the girls. Dr Tsang said the cases were not clustered in a single geographical area. The girls attended different schools and shared no common activity.

Detailed epidemiological investigations revealed no common exposures among them.

All family contacts and school contacts did not show similar illnesses and no secondary spread was evident.

He noted that the number of deaths from primary infective causes among children aged 9 and below living in Hong Kong during the month of August 2008 was compatible with baseline level.

"We conducted research to establish the historical pattern of child deaths from infective causes. Statistics gathered from death certificates indicated that in previous years, a normal baseline average of some 15-20 children aged 9 years or below died from primary infective causes in Hong Kong each year. The monthly number varied between 0 and 5 deaths. The major conditions were sepsis, encephalitis/encephalopathy, pneumonia, and myocarditis," he said.

While a small number of child deaths from infective causes may occur throughout the year, Dr Tsang said all child lives were precious and needed to be protected.

He reminded parents and child carers to supervise children to observe personal hygienic measures to minimize the chance of infection.

"Children with acute febrile illness should not attend school until 48 hours post-defervescence. Rest is important for the recovery process and their immune system.

"In children running a fever, parents should observe closely their child's condition for signs of more serious disease. These may include persistent high fever not responding to medication, severe vomiting, decreased conscious level, breathing difficulties, convulsions, and so on.Consult a doctor immediately in such cases," Dr Tsang said.


View Original Article

 

[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong, PRC SAR: Epi-Surveillance (September 2008, Govt Press Releases)

Hong Kong: Imported case of dengue fever confirmed [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 16) urged people to guard against dengue fever following the confirmation of an imported case by laboratory test.


The case involved a 55-year-old woman who developed fever on August 22. She was admitted to Union Hospital on August 25 and was discharged on August 30. According to the CHP's investigations, the patient went to Indonesia between August 17 and 23. Her travel collateral also had fever, but a blood test did not confirm evidence of dengue fever. Her family members did not have similar symptoms.

A total of 30 cases of imported dengue fever have been reported to the CHP so far this year.

In 2007, 58 cases were reported and all of them were classified as imported cases.

A spokesman for the CHP urged the public to stay alert to the threat of dengue fever and to help prevent mosquito breeding by taking the following measures:

* Put all used cans and bottles into dustbins with covers;
* Change water for plants at least once a week, leaving no water in the saucers underneath flower pots;
* Tightly cover all water containers, wells and water storage tanks, and
* Keep all drains free from blockage.

Travellers should take the following preventive measures:
* Wear long-sleeved tops and trousers;
* Use insect repellent on the exposed parts of the body, and
* Use mosquito screens or nets when rooms are not air-conditioned.

Anyone feeling unwell after returning from their trip should consult a doctor as soon as possible and provide details of their travel to the doctor.

The latest information on dengue fever in other places can be found under "Outbreak News" on the Hong Kong Travel Health Service website, www.travelhealth.gov.hk/eindex.html.

Travel agents, tour guides and travellers can visit the website for the latest news and advice on preventive measures.


View Original Article

 

[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong, PRC SAR: Epi-Surveillance (September 2008, Govt Press Releases)

Hong Kong: Public reminded to guard against community-associated MRSA [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 16) called on people to maintain vigilance against infection from community-associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA), a drug resistant bacterium, despite a fall in the number of confirmed cases from 37 in July to 24 in August.


The cases in August comprised 16 males and eight females aged between two and 84.

A CHP spokesman said all these cases were sporadic and no further person-to-person transmission had occurred.

''Twenty-three of the cases have recovered while the remaining one passed away on August 19,'' he said.

The fatal case involved an 84-year-old man with chronic disease.

He developed respiratory symptoms on August 13 and was admitted to a private hospital in Kowloon on the same day.

He died on August 19 because of pneumonia and his own chronic illness.

MRSA is a type of staphylococcus aureus that is resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics. It is a common infection worldwide and is usually associated with hospital settings.

However, in recent years, many countries observed MRSA infections among healthy individuals in the community. It is mainly transmitted through direct contact with wounds, discharge and soiled areas, usually via hands, which may then contaminate other areas of the body, items or surfaces.

Symptoms may include redness, warmth, swelling, skin tenderness or pus drainage. Sometimes more serious effects such as purulent wound infections and severe pneumonia may occur, requiring hospitalisation and special antibiotics for treatment.

The spokesman said the risk of transmission could be minimised by maintaining good personal hygiene including washing hands with soap frequently and wearing gloves when touching grossly soiled items.

"People should clean any broken skin with waterproof adhesive bandages and wash hands before and after touching wounds.

"If they have an open wound, they should avoid contact sports and visiting public bath houses.They should also avoid sharing personal items such as unlaundered towels, clothing or uniforms and razors," the spokesman said.

People should pay special attention to personal hygiene while taking antibiotics as loss of normal bacterial flora during that period predisposes them to CA-MRSA infection. They should eat only well-cooked food and drink boiled water.


View Original Article

 

[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong, PRC SAR: Epi-Surveillance (September 2008, Govt Press Releases)

Hong Kong: A case of necrotising fasciitis confirmed [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a case of necrotising fasciitis (flesh-eating disease) involving a 66-year-old man today (September 16).


The man, living in Sha Tin, reported painful swelling in his left thumb with bloody discharge on September 6 and later developed chills and rigour.

He was admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital on September 9 and is now in stable condition.

Laboratory tests on his wound swab yielded vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis.

The CHP is now investigating the case. A CHP spokesman said necrotising fasciitis was a serious bacterial infection of the soft tissue and fascia.

It can destroy tissue and cause death within 12 to 24 hours after infection.

Members of the public are reminded to adopt the following preventive measures:

- Avoid exposure of open wounds or broken skin to sea water or salty water;
- Wounds should be thoroughly cleaned and properly covered;
- Wear thick rubber gloves when handling raw shellfish;

Patients should seek medical advice promptly if symptoms and signs of infection like increasing redness, pain and swelling are found.


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