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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (July 26) called on the public to stay vigilant against infection by community-associated Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA), a drug-resistant bacterium.
The appeal followed the CHP's investigation into a confirmed case of invasive CA-MRSA involving a 68-year-old man living in Kwai Tsing District.
The man, with chronic illness, presented with fever on July 18. He developed shock on the next day and was admitted to the intensive care unit of Queen Mary Hospital. He was transferred to Tung Wah Hospital today. His condition is stable.
His blood specimen yielded MRSA. His home contacts are asymptomatic.
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. Their cases 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 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/Thursday, July 26, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:47
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