CHP investigates case of invasive meningococcal infection
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The case involves a 67-year-old male with good past health, who presented with fever since July 16 and was found unconscious on July 20. He was sent to the Accident and Emergency Department of North District Hospital on the same day. He was admitted for treatment and his clinical diagnosis was meningococcaemia. The patient is now in critical condition. His cerebrospinal fluid sample tested positive for Neisseria meningitidis upon laboratory testing.
Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. The CHP's epidemiological investigations of the case are ongoing, including contact tracing. A household contact of the patient, who has developed symptoms, has been arranged to North District Hospital for management and is currently in stable condition.
"Meningococcal infection is caused by a bacterium known as meningococcus. It is mainly transmitted by direct contact through respiratory secretions, including droplets from the nose and throat, from infected persons. The incubation period varies from two to 10 days, and is commonly three or four days," a spokesman for the CHP said.
The clinical picture may vary. Severe illness may result when the bacteria invade the bloodstream (meningococcaemia) or the membranes that envelop the brain and spinal cord (meningococcal meningitis).
Meningococcaemia is characterised by a sudden onset of fever, intense headache, purpura, shock and even death in severe cases. Meningococcal meningitis is characterised by high fever, severe headache and a stiff neck followed by drowsiness, vomiting, fear of bright light, or a rash. It can cause brain damage or even death. The brain damage may lead to intellectual impairment, mental retardation, hearing loss and electrolyte imbalance. Invasive meningococcal infection can be complicated by arthritis, inflammation of the heart muscle, inflammation of the posterior chamber of the eye or chest infection.
Meningococcal infection is a serious illness. Patients should be treated promptly with antibiotics.
To prevent meningococcal infection, members of the public are advised to take heed of the following measures:
- Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly, especially when they are dirtied by respiratory secretions, e.g. after sneezing, and clean hands with alcohol-based handrub when they are not visibly soiled;
- Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, hold the spit with a tissue, dispose of nasal and mouth discharge in a lidded rubbish bin, and wash hands immediately;
- Avoid crowded places;
- Avoid close contact with patients who have a fever or severe headache;
- Travellers to high-risk areas may consult doctors for meningococcal vaccination; and
- Travellers returning from high-risk areas should seek medical advice if they become ill, and should discuss their recent travel history with their doctor.
The public may visit the CHP's website for more information on meningococcal infection.
Ends/Friday, July 21, 2023
Issued at HKT 15:00
Issued at HKT 15:00
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