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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 16) urged members of the public to maintain good environmental and personal hygiene to prevent Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infection.
The appeal was made after the CHP received a report of a fatal case of invasive Hib involving a 32-year-old man.
The patient lived in a residential care home for the disabled in Yau Tsim Mong District. He presented with shortness of breath on March 30 and was admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital on the same day. His condition deteriorated and he passed away on March 31.
His blood culture grew Haemophilus influenzae serotype b.
His home contact is asymptomatic. The case will be referred to the Coroner for investigation.
Hib is a germ that infrequently causes invasive disease in young children. The risk of invasive disease among older people is even lower.
Invasive Hib disease commonly presents as infection of membranes covering the brain (meningitis), often accompanied by the germs entering the bloodstream. It may also affect other parts of the body, such as the lungs, the upper part of the throat, joints and bones. Prompt antibiotic treatment is usually effective in curing the infection.
Hib infection has been a statutory notifiable disease since July 14, 2008. This is the first Hib case in 2013. One case was reported in each of the past two years.
To prevent Hib infection, members of the public are advised to observe personal hygiene and adopt the following measures:
* Maintain hand hygiene and clean hands properly;
* Wash hands when they are soiled with respiratory secretions, e.g. after sneezing or coughing;
* Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal discharge and sputum properly;
* Do not share eating and drinking utensils and wash them thoroughly after use; and
* Avoid going to crowded places if not feeling well.
Ends/Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:08
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