Heightened vigilance warranted under persistently high scarlet fever activity
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According to the CHP's surveillance data, the weekly number of SF cases increased from 38 in the week of June 4, 2017, to 49, 52 and 69 in the three subsequent weeks. Regarding SF outbreaks in schools/institutions, nine affecting 21 pupils/children were recorded in June.
Of note, as of June 30, a total of 1,215 SF cases had been reported to the CHP in the first six months of 2017, representing a marked increase from the figures for the same period in 2016 (727 cases) and 2015 (674 cases).
"The local SF activity is usually higher from November to March and from May to June. In view of the recent increase in SF activity, parents have to take extra care of their children in maintaining strict personal, hand and environmental hygiene," a spokesman for the CHP said.
In addition, among the 1,215 SF cases reported to the CHP this year, they comprise 704 males and 511 females aged from 2 months to 43 years (median: 5 years), nearly all of which (1,170, 96.2 per cent) were under 10 years. Most presented with mild illnesses and clinical presentations were largely similar to cases in previous years. Among them, 431 cases (35.5 per cent) required hospitalisation. While one severe case reported in March required admission to an intensive care unit, no deaths have been recorded so far.
"We will issue letters to doctors, hospitals and schools to alert them to the latest situation. Schools should promptly make a report to the CHP in case of an increase in respiratory illnesses or absentees for immediate epidemiological investigations and outbreak control," the spokesman said.
SF is a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus. It mostly affects children. It is transmitted through either respiratory droplets or direct contact with infected respiratory secretions.
It usually starts with a fever and sore throat. Headache, vomiting and abdominal pain may also occur. The tongue may have a distinctive strawberry-like (red and bumpy) appearance. A sandpaper texture-like rash would commonly begin on the first or second day of onset over the upper trunk and neck before spreading to the limbs. The rash is usually more prominent in armpits, elbows and groin areas. It usually subsides after one week and is followed by skin peeling over fingertips, toes and groin areas.
SF is sometimes complicated with middle ear infection; throat abscess; chest infection; meningitis; bone or joint problems; damage to the kidneys, liver and heart; and, rarely, toxic shock syndrome. SF can be effectively treated by appropriate antibiotics. People suspected to have SF should consult a doctor promptly.
There are no vaccines available against SF. Members of the public are advised to take heed of the health advice below:
- Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene;
- Always keep hands clean and wash with liquid soap when they are dirtied by mouth and nasal discharge;
- Cover your nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and mouth discharge properly;
- Avoid sharing personal items such as eating utensils and towels;
- Maintain good ventilation; and
- Children suffering from SF should refrain from attending school or child care setting until fever has subsided and they have been treated with antibiotics for at least 24 hours.
The public may visit the CHP's SF page for more information.
Ends/Tuesday, July 4, 2017
Issued at HKT 17:45
Issued at HKT 17:45
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