CHP investigates sporadic case of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli infection
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The case involves a 1-year-old girl with good past health, who developed diarrhoea on February 14. She was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital on the same day and was admitted for treatment. She remained stable and did not develop any complications. She was discharged on February 16 upon recovery. Her stool sample tested positive for STEC.
According to her family, she did not consume any high-risk food or beverages during the incubation period, including raw or undercooked meat, contaminated fruits, vegetables or drinking water, and unpasteurised dairy products. She had no contact with farm animals. So far, her three home contacts have remained asymptomatic, and the CHP is monitoring their health conditions.
The CHP's investigation is ongoing.
Over the past five years (2021 to 2025), the CHP recorded one to six cases of STEC infection annually. The above case is the first case of STEC infection recorded this year. No significant upward trend or unusual cluster of cases has been identified.
Generally, STEC infections are usually associated with the consumption of contaminated food or water, such as raw or undercooked meat products, contaminated fruits and vegetables, and unpasteurised dairy products. Direct person-to-person transmission through the faecal-oral route can also occur. Waterborne transmission has been reported, both from contaminated drinking water and from recreational waters. The public is advised to observe good personal and food hygiene.
Members of the public may refer to the CHP's webpage for more information about STEC.
Ends/Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Issued at HKT 17:53
Issued at HKT 17:53
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