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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a case of severe Group A Streptococcal infection involving a 9-year-old girl.
The patient presented with fever, sore throat, cough and sputum since July 19. She sought medical consultation from a General Outpatient Clinic the next day and the Accident and Emergency Department of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital on July 21 due to persisting symptoms. Antibiotic treatments were given.
On July 25, the girl complained about increasing difficulty in breathing and painful swelling on the right side of her neck. She attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital again and was admitted.
An operation was performed on the same day to remove the parapharyngeal abscess on the right side of her neck. She was put under intensive care after the operation. The patient is currently in serious condition. A throat swab sample taken from her on July 20 grew Streptococcus pyogenes.
The girl had no recent travel history. She lived with her parents. Both were asymptomatic.
CHP's investigation continues.
Ends/Thursday, July 28, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:45
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