CHP announces one new confirmed melioidosis infection case over past week
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The case involves a 91-year-old male with hypertension and hyperlipidemia who lives in Cheung Chau. He presented with a fever and cough since mid-June and had sought medical attention from a private doctor. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of St John Hospital on August 6 due to shortness of breath and was referred to Ruttonjee Hospital and admitted on the same day. He is in stable condition. His blood sample was confirmed positive for Burkholderia pseudomallei upon testing.
The CHP is investigating the infection source of the case. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing. A total of nine melioidosis infection cases have been recorded in Hong Kong so far this year. In 2022, 46 melioidosis infection cases were recorded.
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/Thursday, August 31, 2023
Issued at HKT 16:45
Issued at HKT 16:45
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