CHP investigates case of invasive meningococcal infection
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (February 4) 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 64-year-old male with underlying illnesses. He presented with redness, swelling and pain over both his calves on January 26 and developed a fever on the following day. He attended a private hospital on the same day and was admitted for treatment. His blood specimen tested positive for Neisseria meningitidis upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was meningococcaemia.He is now in a stable condition.
An initial investigation revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. His household contact has remained asymptomatic so far and has been prescribed preventive drugs. The CHP's investigation is ongoing.
Meningococcal infection is a statutory notifiable disease. The CHP has recorded one case this year so far. A total of 11 cases were recorded last 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'swebsitefor more information on meningococcal infection.
Source: AI-found images
Digital Policy Office holds third AI+ Civil Services Technology Forum
The Digital Policy Office (DPO) held the third Technology Forum in its AI+ Civil Services series at Cyberport today (February 4). The forum, themed "Workflow Revolution - Smarter Processes, Greater Efficiency", was held in a hybrid mode and attracted over 900 professionals from nearly 100 government departments, as well as public and private organisations, to jointly explore and promote the use of AI in optimising government processes and improving work efficiency.
Addressing the opening ceremony, the Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Daniel Cheung, stated that AI has become a global development driving force. He said that the Government must actively utilise AI in public administration to enhance service efficiency and quality, thereby benefitting more citizens. Mr Cheung also appealed to the Government and industry to work together to strengthen the development of the AI ecosystem and achieve the vision of developing Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre.
At the forum, a number of government departments, public organisations and technology companies were invited to share and exchange technical insights on the application of AI under the two themes "Document Management and Processing" and "Workflow Management and Automation". Among the sharing sessions, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department shared its new AI initiatives; Cyberport outlined government AI application in practice; while the Hong Kong Productivity Council and the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute showcased their related AI solutions. The forum also featured a number of booths showcasing latest-use cases from the industry, allowing government colleagues to gain a deeper understanding of how AI can be applied to transform public services.
This forum was organised by the Smart Government Innovation Lab (Smart Lab) under the DPO in collaboration with Hong Kong Cyberport, the Hong Kong Productivity Council and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation. The Smart Lab has been committed to connecting the Government with the I&T sector, actively fostering close partnerships between local start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises, and government departments. Through regularly organising promotional activities and technology exchange workshops, the Smart Lab supports and assists government departments in accelerating the introduction of local innovative technology products and solutions to facilitate business matching and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
To promote the wider adoption of AI across government departments, the DPO will continue to launch various promotional activities and technology forums. Interested parties are encouraged to stay engaged and participate in the upcoming events. For more details, please visit Smart Lab website (www.smartlab.gov.hk/en/).
Digital Policy Office holds third AI+ Civil Services Technology Forum Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Digital Policy Office holds third AI+ Civil Services Technology Forum Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Digital Policy Office holds third AI+ Civil Services Technology Forum Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
