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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (January 20) called on people to be vigilant against infection from community-associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) - a drug resistant bacterium.
The appeal was made following the CHP's investigation into a confirmed CA-MRSA case involving a 44-year-old woman living in Eastern District. She developed an abscess over her buttock on January 5 and was admitted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital on January 8 for fever. She developed shortness of breath and chest infection on January 10. Her clinical samples grew CA-MRSA.
She is currently in the hospital in stable condition.
The CHP's investigations showed that she had visited the Philippines from December 20, 2008, to January 4, 2009. Her household contacts in Hong Kong did not develop any symptoms of CA-MRSA.
MRSA is a type of bacteria that is resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics. It is a common infection worldwide. In recent years, many countries observed MRSA infections in healthy individuals who have not been hospitalised or stayed in other healthcare facilities or institutions, nor received medical procedures in the past one year prior to onset of symptoms. They are known as CA-MRSA infections and usually have special patterns of antibiotic resistance.
It is widely recognised that indiscriminate use of antibiotics may contribute to antibiotics resistance.
Members of the public are advised not to use antibiotics without medical advice. If they are advised by doctors to take antibiotics, they should take the medicine according to the prescribed frequency and dosage. Members of the public are advised to observe good personal hygiene including washing hands with soap frequently.
For further information on CA-MRSA, please visit the CHP website: www.chp.gov.hk.
Ends/Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:14
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