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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (June 1) investigating a case of scarlet fever involving three residents at a special child care centre in Tai Po.
The three affected were boys aged four to five. They presented with fever, vomiting and skin rash since May 26. One of them was admitted to Tseung Kwan O Hospital and the other two to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital. Two of the patients have already been discharged. All are in stable condition.
A throat swab specimen collected from one of the children yielded positive results for Streptococcus pyogenes.
The CHP's investigation revealed that the patients did not have recent travel history. Investigation continues.
A CHP spokesman explained that scarlet fever is caused by Group A Streptococus bacteria and can be cured by appropriate antibiotics. This disease usually affects children between two to eight years of age and presents as fever, sore throat and rash. The rash appears over the trunk and neck and spreads to the limbs especially the armpits, elbows and groin.
"Typically scarlet fever rash does not involve the face. It is transmitted through either the respiratory route or direct contact with infected respiratory secretions," he said.
People who are suspected to have scarlet fever should consult their doctors.
To prevent infection, members of the public are advised to:
* maintain good personal and environmental hygiene;
* keep hands clean and wash hands properly;
* wash hands when they are dirtied by respiratory secretions, e.g. after sneezing;
* cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and mouth discharge properly; and
* maintain good ventilation.
Ends/Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Issued at HKT 19:38
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