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

[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: Case of Streptococcus suis infection under investigation [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 25) investigating a case of laboratory confirmed infection of Streptococcus suis, a kind of bacteria isolated from pigs.


The case involved a 50-year-old man living in Sham Shui Po who developed fever, back pain and left shoulder pain on September 18. He was admitted to Caritas Medical Centre two days later and is now in stable condition. A CHP spokesman said the patient had no recent travel history. His home contacts did not have any symptoms.

This is the fourth reported case of Streptococcus suis infection in 2008.

Six cases were reported in 2007, eight in 2006 and 13 in 2005.

The spokesman said Streptococcus suis infection may present as meningitis (inflammation of the membrane enclosing the brain), septicaemia (blood stream infection), and less commonly endocarditis (inflammation of the inner lining of the heart chambers), arthritis and bronchopneumonia (a kind of lung infection involving the bronchioles).

Streptococcus suis infection could be treated with appropriate antibiotics.

To prevent the disease, people are advised to always observe personal and environmental hygiene practices and avoid contact with pigs that are sick or dead from diseases and their excreta or body fluid. If contact with pigs or raw pork is necessary, one should:

- Use protective gloves;
- Wash hands after handling pigs or raw pork; and
- Clean and cover all wounds properly.

People with suspected symptoms should consult their doctors as soon as possible and report their relevant exposure histories.

They can obtain more information on Streptococcus suis from the CHP website (http://www.chp.gov.hk).

They can also obtain latest information on infectious diseases in other places on the Department's Hong Kong Travellers' Health Service website (http://www.travelhealth.gov.hk).
--

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[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: Case of cholera confirmed [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 26) confirmed an imported case of cholera and reminded people to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene, whether in Hong Kong or travelling abroad, to prevent the disease.


The case involved a 29-year-old woman who developed watery diarrhoea, abdominal pain and fever on September 23. She was admitted to Yan Chai Hospital on September 24 and is now in stable condition. Laboratory tests today showed that her stool specimen yielded positive result for Vibrio cholerae Ogawa.

CHP's investigation revealed that she had travelled to the Mainland between September 19 and 23. Her travel companions did not show any symptom. She lives in Tsuen Wan and her home contacts have no symptom of cholera.

This is the third case of cholera reported this year.

There were three cases in 2007, one in 2006, five in 2005, five in 2004 and seven in 2003.

A CHP spokesman said, "Whether in Hong Kong or travelling abroad, members of the public should pay attention to hygiene and take measures to prevent cholera and food-borne infection."

People are urged to:
* Wash and cook seafood thoroughly before eating, particularly crustaceans and bivalves such as shrimp, crab, oysters and clams;
* Wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet;
* Handle raw and cooked food with separate utensils to prevent cross-contamination;
* Keep raw and cooked food separately;
* Store food in refrigerator (at 4 degrees Celsius or below) and thoroughly reheat leftover food before eating;
* Keep the environment clean.

When travelling outside Hong Kong, they should:
* Always wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet;
* Eat only thoroughly cooked food and food from sealed packs or cans;
* Avoid cold dishes such as salad and ice-cream;
* Drink only boiled water, canned or bottled drinks, pasteurised milk or dairy products;
* Do not add ice to drinks and do not drink fresh fruit juice that has been prepared beforehand;
* Do not patronise illegal food hawkers; and
* Wash fruit thoroughly before eating and do not eat fruit that has already been peeled or cut open.

For more preventive measures against cholera, people may visit CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk/).
--

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[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: Case of Streptococcus suis infection under investigation [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 30) investigating a case of laboratory confirmed infection of Streptococcus suis, a kind of bacteria isolated from pigs.


The case involved an 81-year-old woman living alone in Kowloon City.

She developed cough with sputum and fever on September 25. She was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital on September 27 and is now in stable condition.

A CHP spokesman said she had no recent travel history.

This is the fifth reported case of Streptococcus suis infection in 2008.

A total of six, eight and 13 cases were reported in 2007, 2006 and 2005 respectively.

The spokesman said Streptococcus suis infection may present as meningitis (inflammation of the membrane enclosing the brain), septicaemia (blood stream infection), and less commonly endocarditis (inflammation of the inner lining of the heart chambers), arthritis and bronchopneumonia (a kind of lung infection involving the bronchioles).

Streptococcus suis infection could be treated with appropriate antibiotics.

To prevent the disease, people are advised to always observe personal and environmental hygiene practices and avoid contact with pigs that are sick or dead from diseases and their excreta or body fluid.

If contact with pigs or raw pork is necessary, one should:
*Use protective gloves;
*Wash hands after handling pigs or raw pork; and
*Clean and cover all wounds properly.

People with suspected symptoms should consult their doctors as soon as possible and report their relevant exposure histories.

They can obtain more information on Streptococcus suis from the CHP website (http://www.chp.gov.hk).

They can also obtain latest information on infectious diseases in other places on the department's Hong Kong Travellers' Health Service website (http://www.travelhealth.gov.hk).
--

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[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: A probable case of classical Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease in Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital [CHP]

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority: In response to media enquiries about a probable case of classical Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), the spokesperson of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) gave the following reply today (October 2):


A female patient, aged 83, was admitted to the medical ward through the Accident and Emergency Department (AED) of PYNEH on August 8, 2008 for recurrent episodes of positional vertigo with tinnitus and hearing impairment.

Her condition continued to deteriorate afterwards, with deteriorating cognitive function, occasional confused speech and twitching of the face and limbs. She passed away on September 22.

Clinical presentations and Electro-encephalogram (EEG) screening confirmed it was a probable case of classical Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD).

Further confirmation has to be made through post-mortem investigation.

Hospital record shows that the patient received a cataract operation in PYNEH on January 8, 2004.

Although the surgical instruments had undergone thorough sterilization process according to protocol after each operation, the risk of cross-contamination, which is extremely low, could not be absolutely eliminated as Prion-Protein is unlikely to be inactivated by normal sterilization procedure as indicated in some literature and by specialist advice on CJD.

Upon retrieval of surgery records, there are 10 patients who had undergone cataract from January 9 to 13, 2004 and might have contacts with related surgical instruments. PYNEH has started to contact affected patients and their families.

They will be given an explanation about the case and informed of the extremely low potential exposure to the risk of CJD by being operated on with those identified instruments. So far there is no reported case of transmission of CJD through cataract surgery.

However, as a prudent step for precaution, PYNEH would arrange related investigations and follow-up for them.

The post-mortem finding of the case and the concerned 10 patients will be under close surveillance of PYNEH.

CJD is one form of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) and a very rare degenerative brain disease. No cause can be determined for most of the cases, with some caused by faulty Prion-Proteins.

In the early stages of the disease, CJD patients may exhibit failing memory, behavior changes and other dementia-like symptoms. As the illness progresses, involuntary twitching of limbs, visual disturbances, dyasesthesia and seizures becomes more pronounced.

Variant CJD (vCJD, also know as "Mad-cow Disease") is also caused by faulty Prion-Proteins, but with a higher risk for transmission than classical CJD. The cause of vCJD is probably consumption of meat products and internal organs of infected cattle.

A Task Force has been set up by PYNEH to oversee the necessary follow up actions. The case has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow up.
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[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: Confirmed case of dengue fever [CHP]

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


The case involved a 42-year-old man living in Sham Shui Po.

He developed fever, joint pain and bone pain on September 27 and was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on September 28. He was discharged yesterday (October 2).

CHP's investigations revealed that he travelled with a friend to Thailand from September 18-21.

His companion did not have symptoms of dengue fever.

A total of 32 cases of dengue fever have been reported to the CHP so far this year. A total of 58 cases were reported in 2007 and all of them were classified as imported.

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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[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: Imported case of cholera confirmed [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 6) confirmed an imported case of cholera and reminded people to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene, whether in Hong Kong or travelling abroad, to prevent the disease.


The case involved a 10-year-old male tourist who developed vomiting and diarrhoea on September 28.

He arrived in Hong Kong on October 1 and was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital on October 2. He is now in stable condition in Princess Margaret Hospital.

Laboratory tests today showed that his stool specimen yielded positive result for Vibrio cholerae Ogawa.

CHP's investigation revealed that his travel companion did not have symptom of cholera.

This is the fourth case of cholera reported this year. There were three cholera cases in 2007, one in 2006, five in 2005, five in 2004 and seven in 2003.

A CHP spokesman said, "Whether in Hong Kong or travelling abroad, people should pay attention to hygiene and take measures to prevent cholera and food-borne infection."

People are urged to:
* Wash and cook seafood thoroughly before eating, particularly crustaceans and bivalves such as shrimp, crab, oysters and clams;
* Wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet;
* Handle raw and cooked food with separate utensils to prevent cross-contamination;
* Keep raw and cooked food separately;
* Store food in refrigerator (at 4 degrees Celsius or below) and thoroughly reheat leftover food before eating;
* Keep the environment clean.

When travelling outside Hong Kong, they should:
* Always wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet;
* Eat only thoroughly cooked food and food from sealed packs or cans;
* Avoid cold dishes such as salad and ice-cream;
* Drink only boiled water, canned or bottled drinks, pasteurised milk or dairy products;
* Do not add ice to drinks and do not drink fresh fruit juice that has been prepared beforehand;
* Do not patronise illegal food hawkers; and
* Wash fruit thoroughly before eating and do not eat fruit that has already been peeled or cut open.

For more preventive measures against cholera, people may visit CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk/).
--

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[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: Confirmed case of dengue fever [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 6) urged people to guard against dengue fever following the confirmation of a case by laboratory test.


The case involved a 37-year-old tourist.

He arrived in Hong Kong on September 25 and developed fever, headache, muscle pain and eye pain the next day.

He sought medical treatment from a private doctor on September 29 and later was admitted to a private hospital on Hong Kong Island. He is now in stable condition.

CHP's investigations revealed that he travelled with his wife to India from June 6 to September 25.

His wife did not have symptoms of dengue fever.

A total of 33 cases of dengue fever have been reported to the CHP so far this year. There were 58 cases reported in 2007 and all 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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[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: Travellers urged to be vigilant against viral hepatitis [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 9) called on people travelling to viral hepatitis endemic areas, to be vigilant against infection following the confirmation of six sporadic cases of hepatitis A infection involving children who had recently travelled to Pakistan.


The six cases involved four boys and two girls aged between 7 and 12. They developed symptoms of fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite and jaundice between September 5 and October 1. They sought treatment at public hospitals and are in stable condition.

One of them, a 12-year-old boy, is still being treated at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

CHP's investigations revealed that they had travelled to Pakistan within six weeks before the onset of symptoms.

CHP has contacted the six schools they are attending and learnt that there were no other cases in these schools.

CHP has given health advice to the school managements.

The Port Health Office of the department has informed the tourism industry of the cases and the Pakistan Consulate has also been alerted.

A CHP spokesman said hepatitis A was one form of viral hepatitis and was transmitted by faecal-oral route through contaminated food, drinks and shellfish or directly from person-to-person.

"The incubation period of the disease is usually around four weeks but may range from 15 days to 50 days.
"Affected persons of Hepatitis A may be asymptomatic. Those who have symptoms may have poor appetite, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, upper abdominal discomfort, jaundice and tea-coloured urine.
"The illness lasts a few weeks but may sometimes last months. Most patients have a complete recovery but in a few cases, the damage on the liver may be prolonged. Immunity is usually life-long and there is no chronic carrier state," the spokesman said.

People looking after patients with viral hepatitis should wear gowns if soiling is likely and they should used gloves when handling contaminated materials.

Patients will usually be given conservative treatment such as bed rest.

The spokesman appealed to the public, in particular people travelling to areas with viral hepatitis, to observe good personal hygiene and food hygiene to prevent infection.

"People should always wash their hands before preparing food, before meals and after going to toilet. They should also avoid drinking contaminated water or beverage with ice of doubtful origin, eating uncooked or undercooked food, particularly shellfish, and eating cut or peeled fruit.
"These measures can also effectively prevent other infectious food-borne illness," the spokesman said.

The spokesman said hepatitis A vaccine should be considered for travellers visiting high risk areas.

"It is used in those two years or older. The vaccine is administered in two doses six months apart. Protection against hepatitis A begins four weeks after the first dose.
"It is safe and does not cause serious side effects. Current evidence suggests that the protection of hepatitis A vaccination lasts for at least 10 years," he said.

The latest information on viral hepatitis in other places can be found in the Travel Health Service website, www.travelhealth.gov.hk.

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

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[Giuseppe]

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

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

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 10) urged people to guard against dengue fever following the confirmation of a case by laboratory test.


The case involved a 30-year-old tourist who arrived at Hong Kong on October 2. He developed fever, muscle pain and eye pain on October 1. He sought medical treatment from a private doctor on October 2 and later was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital. He was discharged on Tuesday (October 7).

CHP's investigations revealed that he had travelled to Malaysia between September 20 and 26 and Taiwan between September 28 and October 1. His home contacts in Malaysia also developed dengue fever but his travel collateral was asymptomatic.

A total of 34 cases of dengue fever have been reported to the CHP so far this year. Last year, 58 cases were reported and all 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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[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: CHP investigating a suspected cholera case [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (October 12) was investigating a suspected cholera case involving a six-year-old boy and reminded people to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene, whether in Hong Kong or travelling abroad, to prevent cholera after receiving a report of.


The boy developed diarrhea on October 5 and was admitted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital on October 7.

He is now in stable condition.

CHP's investigation revealed that he had arrived in Hong Kong from Nepal on October 3 and that his travel companions did not have symptom of cholera. He lives in Wan Chai and his home contacts have no symptom of cholera.

There are four confirmed cholera cases in 2008, three in 2007, one in 2006, five in 2005, five in 2004 and seven in 2003.

A CHP spokesman said, "Whether in Hong Kong or travelling abroad, members of the public should pay attention to hygiene and take measures to prevent cholera and food-borne infection."

Members of the public are urged to:
* Wash and cook seafood thoroughly before eating, particularly crustaceans and bivalves such as shrimp, crab, oysters and clams;
* Wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet;
* Handle raw and cooked food with separate utensils to prevent cross-contamination;
* Keep raw and cooked food separately;
* Store food in refrigerator (at 4 degrees Celsius or below) and thoroughly reheat leftover food before eating;
* Keep the environment clean.

When travelling outside Hong Kong, they should:
* Always wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet;
* Eat only thoroughly cooked food and food from sealed packs or cans;
* Avoid cold dishes such as salad and ice-cream;
* Drink only boiled water, canned or bottled drinks, pasteurised milk or dairy products;
* Do not add ice to drinks and do not drink fresh fruit juice that has been prepared beforehand;
* Do not patronise illegal food hawkers; and
* Wash fruit thoroughly before eating and do not eat fruit that has already been peeled or cut open.

For more preventive measures against cholera, members of the public may visit CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk/).
--

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[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: Cholera case confirmed [CHP]

A spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 13) said laboratory tests on stool specimens taken from a six-year-old boy who was admitted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital last week for suspected cholera have yielded positive result for Vibrio cholerae Ogawa.


This is the fifth cholera case reported to the CHP this year.

The boy is now in stable condition.

There were three cases in 2007, one in 2006, five in 2005, five in 2004 and seven in 2003.

The spokesman reminded members of the public, whether in Hong Kong or travelling abroad, to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene and take measures to prevent cholera and food-borne infection.

For information on preventive measures against cholera, members of the public may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk/).
--

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[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: A confirmed case of dengue fever (10/14/2008) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 14) urged people to guard against dengue fever following the confirmation of a case by laboratory test.


The case involved a 14-year-old girl who arrived in Hong Kong on October 12. She developed fever, headache and muscle pain on October 5 when she was in Shanghai and had sought medical treatment there. She was admitted to a private hospital upon arrival in Hong Kong and is now in stable condition.

CHP's investigations revealed that she had travelled to Thailand between September 26 and October 5. Then she went to Shanghai. Her home contacts and travel collaterals were asymptomatic.

A total of 35 cases of dengue fever have been reported to the CHP so far this year. Fifty-eight 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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[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: Case of EV71 confirmed (10/15/2008) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has confirmed a case of Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.


A spokesman for the CHP said today (October 15) the case was a 16-month-old boy who lives in Shenzhen and developed fever, poor appetite, oral ulcers and rash over hands and feet on October 8.

He came to Hong Kong on October 10 for medical consultation and was admitted to the Tuen Mun Hospital. He was discharged on October 13. Laboratory results of his stool specimens yielded positive results for EV71.

CHP's investigation revealed that his home contacts are asymptomatic.

A total of 84 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, people 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)

Hong Kong: Case of EV71 confirmed (10/16/2008) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has confirmed a case of Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.


A spokesman for the CHP said today (October 16) the case involved an 11-year-old girl, who developed fever, oral ulcers and rash over hands and feet on October 6. She consulted private doctors and was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on October 9. She was discharged on October 14. Laboratory results of her specimens yielded positive results for EV71.

CHP's investigation revealed that she had no recent travel history and her home contacts are asymptomatic.

The primary school she attends has no Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease outbreak.

A total of 85 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, people 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)

Hong Kong: Public reminded to guard against meningococcal infection (10/16/2008) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 16) received a confirmed case of meningococcal infection, a communicable disease transmitted by direct contact with infected persons' droplets.


The case involved a 48-year-old male tourist arriving in Hong Kong on October 12. He developed headache, muscle pain and cough on the same day and consulted a private doctor on October 14. He was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital on October 15 and is now in critical condition. Laboratory test results available today confirmed the patient has meningococcal meningitis.

This is the first confirmed case of meningococcal infection this year. Four cases were reported in 2005, six in 2006 and two in 2007.

A spokesman for the CHP said that meningococcal infection is caused by a bacterium known as meningococcus. It is transmitted by direct contact, including droplets from the nose and throat of infected people. The incubation period varies from two to 10 days, commonly three to four days.

The clinical picture may be variable. Severe illness may result when the bacteria invade the bloodstream (causing meningococcaemia) or the brain (causing meningitis). Meningococcaemia is characterised by the sudden onset of fever, intense headache, purpura, shock and even death in severe cases. Meningitis is characterised by the sudden onset of intense headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, photophobia and stiff neck.

Early cases can be treated effectively with antibiotics.

Members of the public are advised to:
* Wash hands frequently, and observe good personal and environmental hygiene;
* Avoid crowded places;
* Avoid close contact with patients who have fever or severe headache; and
* Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, and hold the spit with tissue, discard it into a bin with a lid and wash hands immediately.

The public can visit the CHP's website, www.chp.gov.hk, for general information about the disease.
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