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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 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 was made following the CHP's investigation into a confirmed case of invasive CA-MRSA involving a 71-year-old man.
The patient has underlying medical conditions and lives alone. He presented with shortness of breath on June 9, developed abdominal and back pain on June 12, and was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital the same day. He was diagnosed with pneumonia and septicemia.
The patient is currently in critical condition. His blood, sputum and urine specimens grew CA-MRSA.
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 the 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 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/Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:31
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