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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 29) called on the public to be vigilant against infection by community-associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA), a drug resistant bacterium.
The appeal was made following the CHP's investigation into a confirmed case of invasive CA-MRSA involving a man living in North District.
The 27-year-old man contracted fever and general malaise in mid-October. He was admitted to North District Hospital on October 20 and was transferred to Prince of Wales Hospital the next day. He is now in critical condition.
A blood specimen from the patient yielded a positive result for CA-MRSA. The patient's household contact was asymptomatic.
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 required treatment 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 was widely recognised that indiscriminate use of antibiotics may contribute to antibiotics resistance, a CHP spokesman said.
People are advised 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 observe good personal hygiene, including washing hands with liquid soap frequently.
For further information on CA-MRSA, please visit the CHP website, www.chp.gov.hk.
Ends/Friday, October 29, 2010
Issued at HKT 19:48
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