CHP conducts comprehensive investigation into suspected Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli infection cluster at PMH
The Head of the Communicable Disease Branch of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health, Dr Albert Au, said today (February 11) that the CHP is conducting a comprehensive investigation into a suspected Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection cluster, involving three doctors in the Oncology Department of Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH), with one of them passed away on February 7.
After receiving notification from PMH yesterday (February 10), the CHP representatives, together with representatives from PMH and the Chair of Infectious Diseases of the Department of Microbiology of the University of Hong Kong (HKU), Professor Yuen Kwok-yung, conducted an inspection of the workplace of the Oncology Department and other facilities of the hospital this morning.
"The case involves three oncologists at the hospital. Initial investigation revealed that they developed symptoms on February 4, 6 and 10 respectively. Symptoms included fever, abdominal pain and diarrhea. One of them, who had onset of symptoms on February 4, was admitted to PMH for treatment on February 6 and passed away the following day. The other two affected persons had mild symptoms," Dr Au said.
"Preliminary test results showed that the stool specimen from one of the three affected persons tested positive for STEC, while that of the other two affected persons (including the deceased patient) tested negative. Taking into account the clinical and epidemiological information, the CHP tentatively believed that the cluster may be associated with STEC infection," he said.
The CHP's epidemiological and environmental investigations are ongoing. The CHP will continue to collaborate with the Hospital Authority and the Department of Microbiology of the HKU to investigate the incident and trace the potential source of infection.
PMH has strengthened the monitoring of the gastrointestinal symptoms among its staff and has requested any staff members with relevant symptoms to report immediately for laboratory tests. The PMH has also arranged comprehensive disinfection of the oncology office area.
In general, 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.
HYAB launches 18-District Health Community Project with Care Teams and Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine of University of Hong Kong
The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB), the District Services & Community Care Teams (Care Teams), and the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed) held the kick-off ceremony of the "Shape Your Healthy Life: 18 District Health Community Project" and the first district outreach health promotion event at the Sai Ying Pun Community Complex Community Hall today (April 7). The project aims to strengthen community level primary health support, as well as enable citizens to gain practical health knowledge.
The kick-off ceremony was officiated by the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak; the Permanent Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Patrick Li; the Director of Home Affairs, Ms Priscilla To; the Executive Vice-President (Administration and Finance) of the University of Hong Kong, Mrs Cherry Tse; and the Dean of the HKUMed, Professor Lau Chak-sing.
The HYAB and Care Teams partnered with the HKUMed for the first time to launch a territory-wide health project in 18 districts, providing community services to citizens. In her speech, Miss Mak stated that the HYAB has always been committed to promoting community participation and believing that for health awareness to be transformed into action, it is necessary to deliver information and services to the citizens and express care to those in need. This collaboration with the HKUMed precisely combines the community network of the Care Teams with professional medical knowledge, taking community health services a step further and jointly promoting the health awareness in the community.
Miss Mak expressed her gratitude to the doctors from the HKUMed, members of the Care Teams, as well as the students of the HKUMed and the volunteers of the "Youth Link" for contributing to support community health. She hoped that this project will not only raise citizens' awareness of physical and mental health, but also gather community power to shape a healthy life together. The project will mobilise Care Teams of the 18 districts and members of the "Youth Link" to participate, fully embodying the "We Care We Serve" spirit of serving the community and expressing care for those in need.
The year-long "18-District Health Community Project", spanning all districts of Hong Kong, provides free health screenings, public seminars, community sports programmes, and health consultations for the elderly and families, aiming to promote preventive health and enhance community well-being. In the coming months, various activities tailored to the needs of different communities will be gradually launched, aiming to further raising citizens' health awareness.
After the kick-off ceremony, the first district health promotion event began, with over 250 citizens participating in health talks and free health screening services held in the community hall.
Source: AI-found images
HYAB launches 18-District Health Community Project with Care Teams and Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine of University of Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HYAB launches 18-District Health Community Project with Care Teams and Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine of University of Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HYAB launches 18-District Health Community Project with Care Teams and Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine of University of Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HYAB launches 18-District Health Community Project with Care Teams and Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine of University of Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HYAB launches 18-District Health Community Project with Care Teams and Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine of University of Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HYAB launches 18-District Health Community Project with Care Teams and Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine of University of Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HYAB launches 18-District Health Community Project with Care Teams and Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine of University of Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Source: AI-found images
