CHP announces no new confirmed melioidosis infection cases today
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The CHP was notified by the Hospital Authority (HA) that an 89-year-old male patient announced earlier (www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202210/25/P2022102500757.htm) passed away yesterday (November 7). He had multiple underlying diseases including diabetes, hypertension, ischaemic heart disease, chronic kidney disease, transient ischaemic stroke and colon cancer. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Caritas Medical Centre on October 8 due to shortness of breath, wheezing and leg edema and was admitted on the same day. He was subsequently diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome, heart failure and pyogenic arthritis. As of today, a total of 34 melioidosis cases were recorded this year in Hong Kong. Twenty-three patients have been discharged, two patients are still hospitalised and nine patients passed away, which involved six males and three females aged from 54 to 93 years. Among the death cases, seven resided in Sham Shui Po (including the above case).
To enhance surveillance against melioidosis cases, the CHP has been working closely with the HA, and has reminded doctors in Hong Kong to enhance vigilance on suspected cases and promptly refer patients (especially those with chronic illnesses) to hospitals for treatment and report to the CHP according to the test result for the bacteria. The Government will also publish a Notice in the Gazette this week to include melioidosis as a statutorily notifiable infectious disease in Schedule 1 of the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance (Cap. 599).
A spokesman for the CHP reiterated that person-to-person transmission and animal-to-human transmission are rare, but Melioidosis bacteria can survive in the local environment. Melioidosis is an endemic disease in Hong Kong and melioidosis cases have been recorded in Hong Kong each year. According to literature, infection cases are more common after typhoons or storms. The bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei of melioidosis in soil and muddy water may become exposed to the ground after typhoons or storms, and the bacteria could spread more easily with strong winds or storms. As such, the number of melioidosis cases may increase.
The CHP appealed to members of the public to seek medical advice if they develop symptoms, in particular people with diabetes or other immunocompromised conditions, in order to receive appropriate medical diagnosis and treatment. The CHP will continue to deliver health messages to the local community and the general public via various channels. For more information on melioidosis, please visit the website of the CHP at www.chp.gov.hk/en/healthtopics/content/24/101110.html.
Ends/Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Issued at HKT 20:52
Issued at HKT 20:52
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