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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (January 16) investigating a case of invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infection affecting a 46-year-old man, and hence urged members of the public to maintain good environmental and personal hygiene to prevent Hib infection.
The patient, with an underlying medical condition, presented with shortness of breath and decrease in general condition since January 7. He sought medical attention from a private doctor on the same day. As his symptoms persisted, he was sent to the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital on January 9 and was admitted to the intensive care unit for further management on the same day. His clinical diagnosis was chest infection. He is currently in critical condition.
The patient's blood specimen tested positive for Hib. He has no recent travel history and his close contacts have remained asymptomatic so far.
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 case in 2014. Three cases were reported in 2013 and one case was filed in 2012.
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/Thursday, January 16, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:56
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