The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 15) is investigating a case of invasive meningococcal infection epidemiologically linked with the case announced yesterday (April 14). The CHP again reminds the public to avoid direct contact with droplets from carriers or infected persons and to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to minimise the risk of contracting this serious disease.
      
     The new case involved a 69-year-old male with chronic diseases, who presented with fever, vomiting and a headache on April 9. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Tin Shui Wai Hospital on April 10 and was admitted for treatment on the same day. His cerebrospinal fluid specimen tested positive for Neisseria meningitidis upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was meningitis. The patient is now in a stable condition.
      
     An initial investigation revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. His home contacts have remained asymptomatic so far. The patient and the case announced yesterday worked in the same construction site at Block A of the United Christian Hospital (UCH) expansion project. The CHP believes the two cases are epidemiologically linked. The construction site locates outside the clinical service area of the hospital, and it did not involve nosocomial infection.

    The CHP staff has conducted epidemiological investigations at the abovementioned construction site, no other staff members at the construction site have developed relevant symptoms so far. The CHP has provided preventive medications to 56 staff members who worked in the same groups as the two patients, and conducted medical surveillance to all staff members of the construction site concerned. The CHP also provided health education to the staff members and advised the contractor to carry out disinfection at the shared facilities, including toilets, rest rooms and changing rooms. In addition, the CHP has followed up with the UCH and learnt that no staff members or patients have been infected at the UCH currently.

     Meningococcal infection is one of the statutory notifiable diseases. In the past 10 years (2015 to 2024), a total of 52 cases were recorded, ranging from zero to 14 cases each year, while five cases (including the two cases concerned) have been recorded as at April 15 this year.

     Meningococcal infection is caused by a bacterium known as meningococcus. It is mainly transmitted by direct contact with respiratory secretions, including droplets from the nose and throat, of infected persons. 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, an intense headache, purpura, shock and even death in severe cases. Meningococcal meningitis is characterised by high fever, severe headache, stiff neck followed by drowsiness, vomiting, fear of bright light, or rash; it can cause brain damage or even death.
      
     The CHP appealed to those who work in the construction site at the UCH expansion project and developed relevant symptoms to call the CHP hotline (2125 2374) for health assessment. The hotline will operate from today until April 25. The hotline will operate until 9pm today, and from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays), and from 9am to 1pm on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. They should seek medical advice immediately if they develop symptoms of infection, such as fever or feeling unwell.

     The CHP has notified the Hospital Authority for enhanced surveillance and case reporting. The CHP's investigation is ongoing.

     To prevent meningococcal infection, members of the public are advised to take the following measures: 
 

• Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly, especially when they are soiled 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 when 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;
• Consult doctors about meningococcal vaccination before travelling to high-risk areas; and
• Seek medical advice if you become ill after returning from high-risk areas, and discuss your recent travel history with your doctor.

 
     The public may visit the CHP's website for more information on meningococcal infection.

Ends/Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Issued at HKT 20:40

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