*******************************************
In response to media enquiries on press reports on a fatal case involving a 15-year-old boy studying in a school in Stanley, a spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health said today (June 8) that investigations were ongoing and according to information on the clinical examination done by the attending doctor, the boy had no symptoms suggestive of scarlet fever.
The spokesman for the CHP said the boy did not develop a rash. Nor was there any infectious disease outbreak in his school or boarding house. There is so far no evidence suggesting linkage between this case and the 7-year-old Stanley schoolgirl who died on May 29, 2011.
Investigation continues.
The affected boy presented with fever, diarrhoea and malaise since June 3. His symptoms deteriorated later and he was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on June 6 with septic shock. His condition continued to deteriorate and he passed away on June 7.
The CHP's investigation revealed that the patient did not have recent travel history. His home contact is asymptomatic.
Specimens were collected from the boy for laboratory tests, pending results.
Ends/Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Issued at HKT 20:36
NNNN