Giuseppe
Emeritus
[Source: Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong PRC SAR, full text: (LINK).]
CHP investigates outbreak of kerato-conjunctivitis
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating an outbreak of kerato-conjunctivitis affecting nine men aged between 20 and 30 years old upon receipt of notification from Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital.
The patients presented with symptoms compatible with kerato-conjunctivitis, such as eye redness, pain, itchiness, swelling and discharge, since June 2. Eight of them sought medical consultation from general practitioners or the Accident and Emergency Department, but none required hospitalisation. Their condition is stable.
Preliminary investigation by the CHP revealed that the nine patients belonged to a rugby team called HK Raiders and had participated in a rugby tournament in Thailand on May 26 and 27.
A CHP spokesman said, "Laboratory investigation showed that the corneal scraping of one patient was positive for Vittaforma corneae, one of the species of microsporidia."
The spokesman said that microsporidia are a group of parasites which are commonly found in the environment and soil. In human eyes, they may cause kerato-conjunctivitis, which is characterised by red, painful, itchy, swollen eyes with discharge. Risk factors include systemic or local immunosuppression, ocular trauma, exposure to unclean river waters or soil or mud. Kerato-conjunctivitis can be treated with appropriate anti-microbials.
"Members of the public who engage in sports that involve contact with soil or mud should maintain good personal hygiene. Players are advised to wash their faces and eyes thoroughly and immediately after engaging in such sports.
Those who have joined the rugby tournament should seek medical advice if they have similar symptoms," the spokesman said.
The investigation is continuing.
Ends/Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Issued at HKT 19:04
NNNN
- ------The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating an outbreak of kerato-conjunctivitis affecting nine men aged between 20 and 30 years old upon receipt of notification from Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital.
The patients presented with symptoms compatible with kerato-conjunctivitis, such as eye redness, pain, itchiness, swelling and discharge, since June 2. Eight of them sought medical consultation from general practitioners or the Accident and Emergency Department, but none required hospitalisation. Their condition is stable.
Preliminary investigation by the CHP revealed that the nine patients belonged to a rugby team called HK Raiders and had participated in a rugby tournament in Thailand on May 26 and 27.
A CHP spokesman said, "Laboratory investigation showed that the corneal scraping of one patient was positive for Vittaforma corneae, one of the species of microsporidia."
The spokesman said that microsporidia are a group of parasites which are commonly found in the environment and soil. In human eyes, they may cause kerato-conjunctivitis, which is characterised by red, painful, itchy, swollen eyes with discharge. Risk factors include systemic or local immunosuppression, ocular trauma, exposure to unclean river waters or soil or mud. Kerato-conjunctivitis can be treated with appropriate anti-microbials.
"Members of the public who engage in sports that involve contact with soil or mud should maintain good personal hygiene. Players are advised to wash their faces and eyes thoroughly and immediately after engaging in such sports.
Those who have joined the rugby tournament should seek medical advice if they have similar symptoms," the spokesman said.
The investigation is continuing.
Ends/Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Issued at HKT 19:04
NNNN