CHP investigates imported case of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli infection
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The case involves a 2-year-old girl with good past health. She developed abdominal pain, a fever and diarrhoea on May 27. She was taken to a private hospital on May 31 for treatment and was discharged on June 4. Throughout her hospitalisation, she remained stable and did not develop any complications. Her stool sample tested positive for STEC by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.
According to information provided by her family, the patient travelled to Guangdong Province on May 23 and 24 during the incubation period, during which, she consumed hotpot ingredients that may not have been thoroughly cooked. She did not consume undercooked food in Hong Kong. So far, her three home contacts have remained asymptomatic. The CHP is monitoring their health conditions and will collect their stool samples for testing to rule out any infection. No gastroenteritis outbreak has been reported recently at the school that the girl attends.
The CHP's investigation is ongoing.
Over the past five years (2021 to 2025), the CHP has recorded one to six cases of STEC infection annually. The above case is the second case of STEC infection recorded in Hong Kong this year. No significant upward trend or unusual cluster of cases has been identified.
The incubation period of STEC infection generally ranges from three to four days. In general, STEC infections are mostly 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 transmissions have 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, June 17, 2026
Issued at HKT 19:32
Issued at HKT 19:32
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