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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (October 12) investigating three cases of invasive pneumococcal infection reported from Queen Mary Hospital (QMH), spanning a period of one month. This infection is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae.
The patients are three boys aged 35 months, 12 months and 32 months respectively. They developed symptoms including fever, cough and difficulty in breathing on September 19, 25 and October 6 respectively and had been admitted to QMH for treatment.
The 35-month-old boy is currently managed in the general paediatrics ward in stable condition while the other two boys are now receiving intensive care in serious condition.
All their family members are currently asymptomatic.
Laboratory tests conducted by the University of Hong Kong showed that the two cases affecting the 12-month-old and 35-month-old boys are caused by serotype 3 Streptococcus pneumonia while the test result for the remaining case is pending.
Further laboratory tests including typing studies will be carried out. Serotype 3 Streptococcus pneumoniae is one of over 90 serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae that cause invasive pneumoccocal infection in Hong Kong. It was not an uncommon serotype circulating in the community.
CHP's investigation continues.
A spokesman for the CHP said that the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae is commonly found in the nose and throat of healthy people, particularly in children. They mainly spread from one person to another through coughing, sneezing or direct close contact. They can also spread via contact with materials soiled with sputum or nasal discharges of the infected.
To prevent pneumococcal infection, members of the public are advised to:
* keep hands clean and wash them properly; Alcohol-based handrub is also effective when hands are not visibly soiled;
* wash hands with liquid soap promptly when they are soiled by nasal discharges or sputum, e.g. after sneezing or coughing;
* cover nose and mouth with tissue paper while sneezing or coughing;
* always wrap nasal and mouth discharges with tissue paper. Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly in a lidded rubbish bin;
* wear mask when there are symptoms of respiratory tract infection;
* not to share utensils and washing them thoroughly after use;
* maintain good ventilation in indoor areas; and
* avoid attending crowded and poorly ventilated public places if feeling unwell.
Members of the public can visit the CHP's website, www.chp.gov.hk, for general information about the infection.
Ends/Saturday, October 12, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:56
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