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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (December 3) investigated a confirmed case of meningococcal infection, a communicable disease transmitted by direct contact with droplets from carriers or infected persons.
The case involved a 39-year-old woman living on Lantau Island. She had developed malaise, chills, muscle pain and skin rash since November 18. She visited private doctors on November 22 and 24, and was admitted to a private hospital on November 26. She recovered and was discharged on November 29.
A blood specimen taken from the patient grew Neisseria meningitidis.
Investigations showed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. Her home contacts were asymptomatic.
This is the second confirmed case of meningococcal infection this year. Two cases were reported in 2009; no case was reported in 2008.
A spokesman for the CHP said that meningococcal infection is caused by a bacterium known as meningococcus. It is transmitted by direct contact, including droplets from the nose and throat of infected people. The incubation period varies from two to 10 days, commonly three to four days.
The clinical picture may vary. Severe illness may result when the bacteria invade the bloodstream (causing meningococcaemia) or the brain (causing meningitis).
Meningococcaemia is characterised by the sudden onset of fever, intense headache, purpura, shock and even death in severe cases. Meningitis is characterised by the sudden onset of intense headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, photophobia and stiff neck. Early cases can be treated effectively with antibiotics.
To prevent meningococcal infection, members of the public are advised to:
* Wash hands frequently, and observe good personal and environmental hygiene practices;
* Avoid crowded places;
* Avoid close contact with patients who have fever or severe headache; and
* Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, and hold the spit with tissue, discard it into a bin with a lid and wash hands immediately.
Members of the public can visit the CHP's website, www.chp.gov.hk, for general information about the infection.
Ends/Friday, December 3, 2010
Issued at HKT 18:16
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