CHP investigates paediatric death of invasive pneumococcal disease
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The patient was a boy aged 2 with good past health. He has developed fever, cough, running nose and vomiting since November 13 and consulted a private doctor on November 14 and 15. He was found with decreased consciousness on November 15 evening and was brought to Tuen Mun Hospital. His condition deteriorated and died on November 16. The clinical diagnosis was meningitis.
His cerebrospinal fluid specimen tested positive for Streptococcus pneumoniae upon laboratory testing.
Initial enquiries revealed that the boy had received immunisation including pneumococcal vaccines. He had no recent travel history. Apart from his domestic helper who had upper respiratory symptoms in stable condition, other home contacts have remained asymptomatic.
No other similar cases or outbreaks have been reported so far at the kindergarten he attended and the CHP has advised the kindergarten on prevention of respiratory infectious diseases. Investigations are ongoing.
"Pneumococcal infection is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). It causes a wide range of diseases. More common ones include middle ear infection and chest infection. It may also cause various forms of invasive pneumococcal diseases, such as infection of the brain membranes and blood stream. The infection can be serious or even life-threatening," a spokesman for the CHP said.
Pneumococci are commonly found in the nose and throat of healthy people, particularly in children. Occasionally, these bacteria will cause an infection. They mainly spread through droplets via coughing and sneezing, close contact with the patients or contact with materials soiled with the bacteria.
To prevent pneumococcal infection, the CHP appealed to the public for pneumococcal vaccination and hygiene practices:
- Keep hands clean at all times. Perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, after touching public installations such as handrails or door knobs or when hands are contaminated by respiratory secretion after coughing or sneezing;
- Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly. When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub as an effective alternative;
- Cover nose and mouth with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of the soiled tissue paper into a lidded rubbish bin, and then wash hands thoroughly;
- Put on a surgical mask when having respiratory symptoms;
- Maintain good indoor ventilation. Avoid going to crowded or poorly ventilated public places; high-risk individuals may consider putting on surgical masks while in such places; and
- Refrain from work or school when having respiratory symptoms. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist or deteriorate.
The public may visit the CHP's IPD page for more information.
Ends/Monday, November 20, 2017
Issued at HKT 20:06
Issued at HKT 20:06
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