CHP investigates case of invasive meningococcal infection
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (December 20) is investigating a case of invasive meningococcal infection, and reminds the public to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to minimise the risk of contracting this serious disease.
The case involves a 30-year-old male with good past health. He presented with a fever, malaise and vomiting on December 18. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Yan Chai Hospital yesterday (December 19) and was admitted for treatment. The patient subsequently developed confusion and loss of speech. He is now in a stable condition. His cerebrospinal fluid specimen tested positive for Neisseria meningitidis upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was meningitis.
An initial investigation revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. His household contact has remained asymptomatic so far. The CHP will distribute preventive drugs to his close contacts and will continue the investigation.
Meningococcal infection is a statutory notifiable disease. Including this case, the CHP has recorded 11 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 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.
Source: AI-found images
Government announces updates on follow-up work on Tai Po fire
The three task forces set up by the Government for the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po - the Task Force on Investigation and Regulation, the Task Force on Emergency Support and Fund-Raising, and the Task Force on Emergency Accommodation Arrangements - are making full efforts to follow up on the support, relief, and investigation work related to the incident. Details are as follows:
Financial and welfare support
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For the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, established by the Government, donations received are about $3.7 billion as of noon today (December 20). With the start-up capital of $300 million from the Government, the fund's total has now reached around $4 billion. The fund will be used to assist residents in rebuilding their homes and providing long-term and sustained support.
Accommodation support
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Currently, there is still a supply of more than 1 000 units that can provide affected residents with longer-term accommodation. The transitional housing and the Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS) projects in different districts can altogether provide around 500 units at the moment. Moreover, Po Tin Interim Housing in Tuen Mun and Runway 1331 at Kai Tak can provide a supply of around 900 units.
As of this morning, a total of 581 residents are staying in hotel rooms through the co-ordination of the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, and 559 residents are staying in youth hostels/camps. Another 3 513 residents are currently living in transitional housing units provided by the Housing Bureau, units from the HKHS or Po Tin Interim Housing in Tuen Mun.
Relief supplies and donations
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The supplies donation online platform, established by the Government and the information technology sector, continues to operate, facilitating the registration of supplies donations from organisations and the public. The Government has so far received around 2 000 registrations, of which approximately 30 per cent were submitted by organisations, whereas the others were contributed by the public. The various registered donation items include food and beverages, clothing, daily necessities, bedding, and electrical appliances. The Government is actively assessing residents' actual needs through the relevant policy bureau, government departments, and service organisations for the matching of donated supplies in order to distribute appropriate items in phases to places in need. So far, over 29 000 donation items covering various categories have been distributed to different places. The matching and distribution of supplies will continue.
Handling of reported missing persons
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The forensic pathologist recently discovered, through scientific examination, that one set of human remains actually belongs to two deceased individuals. As a result, the number of deceased has increased to 161. Relevant forensic identification work is still in progress.
In addition, the six missing person cases being followed up by the Casualty Enquiry Unit earlier have all been concluded. Five of the individuals died in the fire, while the remaining one passed away in 2023. In view of the latest situation, the Police will adjust the service hours of its casualty enquiry hotline for the Tai Po fire (1878 999) to 7am to 11pm daily starting from tomorrow (December 21).
Investigation and regulation
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Relevant policy bureaux and departments continue to follow up on the fire investigation and regulatory efforts.
Others
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Due to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, the school premises of Tai Po Baptist Public School will remain closed for a period of time. To enable all students of the school to continue their studies in a stable and continuous learning environment as early as possible, and to further safeguard students’ well-being, following discussions between the Education Bureau and relevant government departments, the school premises of the former Church of Christ in China Kei Ching Primary School (originally planned to be converted into an integrated social service complex) will be allocated to Tai Po Baptist Public School for use as its school premises from the 2026/27 school year, allowing all classes to resume normal teaching and learning activities at a single school site.
Source: AI-found images
