CHP investigates case of invasive meningococcal infection
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (May 22) is investigating a case of invasive meningococcal infection, and reminds the public to avoid direct contact with droplets from carriers or infected persons and to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to minimise the risk of contracting this serious disease.
The case involved a 68-year-old male with underlying illnesses, who presented with fever, left knee pain and swelling on May 17. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital on May 18 and was admitted for treatment on the same day. His left knee joint fluid specimen tested positive for Neisseria meningitidis upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was septic arthritis of the left knee. The patient is now in a stable condition.
An initial investigation revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. His home contacts have remained asymptomatic so far. The CHP's investigation is ongoing.
Meningococcal infection is one of the statutory notifiable diseases. As of today, the CHP has recorded six cases this year.
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, members of the public are advised 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 spit 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'swebsitefor more information on meningococcal infection.
Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy and Supreme People's Court co-organise 2nd edition of Hong Kong Common Law Practical Training Course
The second edition of the Hong Kong Common Law Practical Training Course, co-organised by the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy and the Supreme People's Court, is being held from today (January 14) to January 22. Focusing on company law, this edition will guide participants to gain a deeper understanding of Hong Kong's company law framework.
Addressing the opening ceremony of the course today, the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, said that the first edition of this course, which was held in January last year, was the inaugural programme of the Academy after its launch in 2024, and positive results had been achieved. Mr Lam expressed his gratitude to the Supreme People's Court for their continued support and trust in the Academy. He said that the course is a key initiative to implement the national policy of strengthening Mainland judges' ability to handle foreign-related cases, in line with the priorities anticipated in the 15th Five-Year Plan to be announced in March this year.
Building on the inaugural training course, this edition focuses on company law with the participation of 24 senior judges from 22 courts on the Mainland, including the Supreme People's Court and courts from 12 provinces as well as three direct-administered municipalities. The course will feature an in-depth exploration of Hong Kong's robust company law framework through lectures, dialogue sessions and interactive practices on topics such as company structures, guarantees and liquidations. Speakers of the course include Hong Kong's leading legal scholars, experts and eminent judges in the field of company law, who will share their practical insights into Hong Kong's common law system and company law. With the Ceremonial Opening of the Legal Year 2026 taking place this month, participants will attend this important annual legal event, and visit the courts and international legal institutions in Hong Kong to learn more about Hong Kong's development as a legal hub and a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Academy will continue to leverage the unique advantages of the "one country, two systems" principle and the Hong Kong common law system to organise more capacity-building programmes, thereby promoting judicial and legal exchanges and mutual learning between the Mainland and Hong Kong, and further contributing to the country's efforts to promote the construction of the foreign-related rule of law.
Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy and Supreme People's Court co-organise 2nd edition of Hong Kong Common Law Practical Training Course Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy and Supreme People's Court co-organise 2nd edition of Hong Kong Common Law Practical Training Course Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
