*************
Following is a question by the Hon Lau Wong-fat and a reply by the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr York Chow, in the Legislative Council today (December 6):
Question:
It has been reported that there have been 11 cases of human myiasis since January this year, representing a significant increase over last year's mere six cases, and most of those infected were elderly persons incapable of self-care. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council whether it has examined the causes for the rising number of human myiasis cases in recent months, and of the measures to address the situation?
Reply:
Madam President,
Myiasis is the invasion of living tissue or organs by maggots of certain species of flies. It usually attacks domestic animals and human cases are not very common. Feeding activity of the maggots may cause serious tissue damage, resulting in loss of function, injury to the skin, and secondary infection. Myiasis could infect anybody, but frail or elderly people who cannot look after themselves tend to have a relatively high chance of infection.
From 2003 and 2006 (as of December 5), there were 9, 8, 6 and 14 cases of myiasis respectively reported to the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH). In recent years, the CHP has increased education and enhanced awareness of the condition among medical and nursing professionals. This may contribute to the increase in the number of reported cases of myiasis this year.
Upon receiving a report of myiasis, the CHP will conduct an epidemiological investigation on the case. The patient and his carer will be interviewed for information. A site visit to the place where the patient lives will also be conducted to examine personal and environmental hygiene factors. Detailed health advice will be provided to improve wound care and oral hygiene to reduce the risk of infection. Besides, the CHP will also notify the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department to take appropriate follow up action on the case. Furthermore, staff of elderly homes will be given instructions to watch out for residents developing symptoms of the disease, and seek medical consultation for those residents promptly. FEHD will conduct fly survey in the vicinity of the premises where the patient has stayed. Fly control will be carried out in response to the findings of the survey and advice on fly control and prevention will be given to the parties concerned.
The CHP will also inform the public of the investigated cases of myiasis through press releases, with a view to enhancing public awareness and knowledge about the condition and its prevention. The DH also distributes relevant health education materials including Guidelines on Prevention of Communicable Diseases in Residential Care Homes for the Elderly.
To prevent myiasis infestation, we advise members of the public, especially staff of elderly homes, to observe the following measures:
* All wounds should be treated immediately and cleansed and dressed properly.
* Observe good personal hygiene. Bath daily and keep skin clean. Maintain good oral hygiene.
* Ensure good environmental hygiene. Prevent fly infestation by proofing measures, including installation of fly screening materials at human dwelling places, dressing of wounds and maintaining good ventilation.
* Avoid keeping pets inside elderly homes.
As regards Residential Care Homes of the Elderly (RCHEs), myiasis preventive measures include strengthening cleanliness and sanitary work, implementing fly control measures as well as providing training to enhance staff's knowledge towards prevention of myiasis infestation. The Social Welfare Department, together with relevant departments and organisations including DH, the Hospital Authority and FEHD have been providing training for staff of RCHEs to enhance their professional knowledge and skills on infection control and care for the elderly and improving environmental hygiene and facilities of RCHEs. Besides, the Visiting Health Teams (VHTs) of DH's Elderly Health Service also provide health education on myiasis to staff of elderly homes, with particular emphasis on personal care. The VHTs will enhance training of elderly home staff on oral hygiene and wound management, when necessary, taking into consideration the special needs of the relevant RCHEs. Apart from regular health education, when a case of myiasis occurs in an elderly home, CHP will alert VHT, which will take the necessary follow up actions.
To control and prevent fly infestation, FEHD has put in place regular programmes on inspection of fly trouble spots including refuse collection sites, rear lanes and carcass collection points. Fly control measures will be implemented whenever necessary. The department also provides fly control guidelines to the public.
Ends/Wednesday, December 6, 2006
Issued at HKT 11:33
NNNN
