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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 21) called on the public to be vigilant against infection by community-associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA), a drug resistant bacterium.
The appeal followed the CHP's investigation into a confirmed case of invasive CA-MRSA involving a three-year-old boy living in Jordan, Kowloon.
The boy, who had good past health, presented with fever and cough on September 1. He was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital on September 7. He was diagnosed with pneumonia and is now in stable condition.
His sputum grew CA-MRSA.
The CHP's investigation showed that the boy had no recent travel history and his household contacts did not show any symptoms of CA-MRSA infection.
MRSA is a type of Staphylococcus aureus that is resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics. It is a common infection worldwide.
In recent years, many countries have 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 year before 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.
A CHP spokesman advised people not to use antibiotics without professional medical advice. If they are advised by doctors to take antibiotics, they should take the medicine according to the prescribed frequency and dosage.
People should maintain good personal hygiene and wash hands with liquid soap frequently.
For further information on CA-MRSA, please visit the CHP website: www.chp.gov.hk .
Ends/Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Issued at HKT 19:16
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