CHP announces one new confirmed melioidosis infection case over past week
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The additional case involves a 50-year-old male who has diabetes and lives in Tai Po. He suffered from toothache since December 24 last year and consulted a dentist and received treatment on January 7. He later developed a fever and facial pain and swelling, and attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital on January 11, where he was admitted on the same day. He was diagnosed with dental abscess and infections over his face, eye orbit and neck. His condition has been stable all along. His blood sample was confirmed positive for Burkholderia pseudomallei upon testing.
An epidemiological investigation revealed that he went camping in rural areas last December and had been exposed to soil and rainwater there. An investigation is ongoing.
A total of two melioidosis infection cases have been recorded in Hong Kong so far this year. In 2022, 46 melioidosis infection cases were recorded, among which 30 cases living in Sham Shui Po were recorded since August that year.
The Government has earlier gazetted to include melioidosis as a statutorily notifiable infectious disease under Schedule 1 to the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance (Cap. 599). The CHP will continue to work closely with the Hospital Authority to enhance surveillance against melioidosis cases.
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. For more information on melioidosis, please visit the website of the CHP at www.chp.gov.hk/en/healthtopics/content/24/101110.html.
Ends/Friday, January 20, 2023
Issued at HKT 12:00
Issued at HKT 12:00
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