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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 22) 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 75-year-old man living in Eastern District.
The man presented with left side weakness on June 24 and was admitted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital for suspected stroke. He was complicated with septic shock and admitted to the intensive care unit on August 15. The man was transferred back to the general ward on August 17 for treatment. His current condition is stable.
The man's blood culture grew CA-MRSA. His home contact is 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/Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Issued at HKT 20:12
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