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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a confirmed case of meningococcal infection, a communicable disease transmitted by direct contact with droplets from carriers or infected persons, and has appealed to the public for vigilance.
The case affected a 99-year-old woman with chronic illness who lives in Tai Po.
The woman presented with fever, shortness of breath and productive cough since August 9. She was admitted to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital on the same day.
A blood specimen taken from the patient grew Neisseria meningitidis. The woman is in stable condition.
The patient has no recent travel history. Her close contacts are asymptomatic.
The CHP's investigation is continuing.
This is the fourth confirmed case of meningococcal infection this year. Eight cases were reported in 2011 and two in 2010.
A spokesman for the CHP said that meningococcal infection is caused by a bacterium known as meningococcus. It is transmitted by direct contact, including droplets from the nose and throat of infected people. The incubation period varies from two to 10 days, commonly three to four days.
The clinical picture may vary. Severe illness may result when the bacterium invades the bloodstream (causing meningococcaemia) or the brain (causing meningitis).
Meningococcaemia is characterised by the sudden onset of fever, intense headache, purpura, shock and even death in severe cases. Meningitis is characterised by the sudden onset of intense headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, photophobia and stiff neck. Early cases can be treated effectively with antibiotics.
To prevent meningococcal infection, members of the public are advised to:
* Wash hands frequently, and observe good personal and environmental hygiene practices;
* Avoid crowded places;
* Avoid close contact with patients who have fever or severe headache; and
* Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, and hold the spit with a tissue and discard it into a bin with a lid, and wash hands immediately.
Members of the public can visit the CHP's website, www.chp.gov.hk, for general information about the infection.
Ends/Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:43
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