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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 7) received a report of laboratory confirmed Streptococcus suis infection from Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH). This adds up to 13 Streptococcus suis infection cases reported to CHP in 2005.
Case details are as follows:
Age: 61
Sex: Male
District of residence: Ho Man Tin
Date of Onset: October 4
Symptoms: Back pain and lower limb weakness
Present Condition: Had been admitted to QEH since October 5. Now in stable condition.
Travel history: Had travelled to Guangzhou, Mainland, in September.
Others: His family members have no symptoms and are being put under medical surveillance by CHP.
Staff of CHP will continue to liaise with his family members for further information.
Streptococcus suis infection may present as meningitis, septicaemia, and less commonly endocarditis, arthritis and bronchopneumonia. Streptococcus suis infection could be treated with appropriate antibiotics.
To prevent the disease, people are advised to always observe personal and environmental hygiene practices and avoid contact with pigs that are sick or dead from diseases and their excreta or body fluid. If contact with pigs or raw pork is necessary, one should:
? Use protective gloves;
? Wash hands after handling pigs or raw pork; and
? Clean and cover all wounds properly.
People with suspected symptoms should consult their doctors as soon as possible and report their relevant exposure histories.
Members of the public can obtain more information on Streptococcus suis from the CHP website (http://www.chp.gov.hk) and the 24-hour Health Education Hotline at 2833 0111. They can also obtain latest information on infectious diseases in other places on the Department's Hong Kong Travellers' Health Service website (http://www.travelhealth.gov.hk).
Ends/Monday, November 7, 2005
Issued at HKT 17:43
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