CHP investigates local case of invasive meningococcal infection and continues to monitor outbreak in United Kingdom
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Information on latest local case
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The case involves a 3-year-old boy with good past health. He presented with a fever and vomiting on March 17. He was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital the following day (March 18) and admitted for treatment. He is currently in a serious condition. His blood and cerebrospinal fluid specimens tested positive for meningococcus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis is meningitis.
An initial investigation revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. His household contacts have remained asymptomatic so far. The CHP has prescribed preventive drugs to them, and the investigation is ongoing. Initial findings suggest that this is a sporadic case. There is no evidence suggesting an epidemiological linkage between this case and previously confirmed cases in Hong Kong or the recent outbreak in the UK.
Meningococcal infection is a statutory notifiable disease. The CHP has recorded four cases this year so far. A total of 11 cases were recorded last year.
Strengthening local preventive and control measures in response to outbreak in UK
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Over the past week, the CHP has been closely monitoring the outbreak of invasive meningococcal disease in Kent, the UK, and has requested further information from the UK health authority.
"According to the latest information, the number of infected cases in the UK continues to increase from 20 to 29 (as at 5pm on March 19, UK time), with two students having died. The cases primarily involve young people. Some of them are students at the University of Kent or individuals who visited a local nightclub called "Club Chemistry" between March 5 and 7. Although the CHP has not received notification from the UK health authority that the cluster or its close contacts involve students from Hong Kong, the CHP has prepared health information on invasive meningococcal disease and will distribute it to Hong Kong students in the UK through the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London in due course. Regarding preventive and control measures at the immigration level, the CHP has stepped up health screenings at the airport for related inbound passengers showing suspected symptoms to facilitate prompt referral of suspected cases to hospitals for examinations. The CHP will also issue a letter to all doctors in Hong Kong, reminding them to be vigilant for symptoms of invasive meningococcal disease among patients returning from affected regions, and to provide professional advice on meningococcal vaccination based on the patient's age, health status, and detailed travel history (including destination, duration of stay and activities). The CHP will continue to maintain close liaison with the UK health authority and take appropriate follow-up measures based on risk assessments to safeguard public health," the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, said.
Dr Tsui added that according to overseas literature, there is a higher risk of transmission or outbreak of meningococcal infection in crowded settings including university or staff dormitories. The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases (SCVPD) under the CHP last year reviewed the local epidemiology of invasive meningococcal disease, the recommendations of the World Health Organization and overseas practices. In light of the very low invasive meningococcal disease incidence in Hong Kong, the SCVPD did not recommend introducing universal meningococcal vaccination into the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme from the public health perspective. However, the SCVPD recommended high-risk individuals, including long-term travellers and those studying abroad, receive meningococcal vaccinations per the recommendations by the health authorities in the destination country to safeguard personal health. With the Easter holidays approaching, overseas students may return to Hong Kong. Dr Tsui reminded members of the public to seek medical advice as soon as possible if they develop symptoms of meningococcal infection.
Preventive measures
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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.
To prevent meningococcal infection, the CHP urged members of the public 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 saliva 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/Friday, March 20, 2026
Issued at HKT 19:02
Issued at HKT 19:02
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