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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (February 3) received from the Malaysian health authorities the findings of the post-mortem on the Hong Kong boy who died in Kuala Lumpur on January 31.
The certified cause of death of the boy was septicaemic shock secondary to Group A Streptococcal infection, a spokesman for the CHP said.
Group A Streptococcus is a common human pathogen that causes skin and soft tissue infection, sore throat and other forms of sepsis. It is transmitted through large respiratory droplets or direct contact with an infected patient. Infections caused by Group A Streptococcus can be treated by antibiotics. Septicaemic shock is one of the rare and severe complications of Group A Streptococcus infection.
Meanwhile, the CHP has contacted the nine travel companions who had close contact with the child and assessed their health condition. All of them were asymptomatic. They have been put under medical surveillance.
Staff of the CHP and Education Bureau today visited the school which the boy attended. No unusual sickness pattern was found in the school. Health advice had been provided to the school's management.
Ends/Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:35
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