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Case of community-associated MRSA infection under CHP investigation
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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (March 25) investigating a case of community-associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infection which affected a 27-year-old woman, and hence appealed to members of the public to stay vigilant against CA-MRSA.

     The patient, with an underlying medical condition, lived in Yau Tsim Mong District. She was found unconscious at home on March 9. She was sent to Kwong Wah Hospital, where she was subsequently certified dead.

     Her post-mortem blood and kidney pus specimens yielded CA-MRSA upon laboratory testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.

     She had no recent travel history and her home contact was asymptomatic. This case was referred to the Coroner's Court for investigation.

     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 health-care facilities or institutions, nor received medical procedures in the year before the onset of symptoms. The 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 medical 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.

     The public may visit the CHP's CA-MRSA page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/24/5392.html) for further information and preventive advice.

Ends/Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:05

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