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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a case of scarlet fever requiring Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission involving a 2-year-old girl.
The girl presented with fever, sore throat and skin rash since July 21. She was admitted to Yan Chai Hospital on July 22. Clinical diagnosis was scarlet fever. She was transferred to the Paediatric ICU of Princess Margaret Hospital on the same day due to early signs of shock. She is now in stable condition.
Results of throat swab and blood culture are pending.
The CHP's investigation revealed the patient has no recent travel history. Her home contacts are asymptomatic.
Investigation continues.
A CHP spokesman explained that scarlet fever is caused by Group A Streptococcus 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. The illness is usually clinically mild but can be complicated by shock, heart and kidney diseases.
"Scarlet fever 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/Saturday, July 23, 2011
Issued at HKT 16:54
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