CHP announces new melioidosis case
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The case involves a 74-year-old female with underlying illnesses who lived in Sham Shui Po District. On October 4, she presented with a fever and cough with sputum. On October 7, she attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Caritas Medical Centre due to shortness of breath and was admitted for treatment on the same day. Her clinical diagnosis was pneumonia. Her clinical sample tested positive for Burkholderia pseudomallei. The patient passed away on October 8 and the cause of death is under investigation.
The CHP is investigating the infection source of the case. An initial epidemiological investigation revealed that the case is sporadic. No epidemiological linkages have been established between this case and other confirmed cases previously recorded in Hong Kong.
Person-to-person transmission and animal-to-human transmission are rare, but the bacteria causing melioidosis 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. As of yesterday (October 15), nine melioidosis cases have been recorded in Hong Kong this year. Last year, 21 melioidosis cases were recorded.
According to literature, melioidosis cases are more common after typhoons or rainstorms. The bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei in soil and muddy water may become exposed on the ground after typhoons or rainstorms, and the bacteria could spread more easily with strong winds or rainstorms. As such, the number of melioidosis cases may increase. Where practicable, members of the public should stay indoors during typhoons and rainstorms, avoid travelling to areas with potential flooding, and not wade in or have contact with muddy water and soil. In addition, high-risk individuals should avoid paths near stormwater drains where aerosols may be generated from contaminated water.
Members of the public should also take the following preventive measures against infection:
- Avoid contact with contaminated soil;
- Wear appropriate protective clothing or footwear when participating in activities with possible contact with soil or water, e.g. using gloves and wearing boots. High-risk individuals may also consider wearing a surgical mask;
- Wash or shower after exposure to contaminated water or soil;
- Always clean any wounds as soon as possible and cover them with waterproof dressings;
- Wash hands with liquid soap and water after handling soil or gardening;
- Observe food hygiene and avoid drinking raw water; and
- Travellers can contract the disease through outdoor water sports. Risk of infection can be minimised by avoiding exposure to water sources (such as rivers, ponds or lakes) that might be contaminated.
The CHP appealed to members of the public to seek medical advice if they develop symptoms, in particular people with diabetes or other immunocompromising conditions, in order to receive an 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/Friday, October 16, 2026
Issued at HKT 18:00
Issued at HKT 18:00
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