CHP investigates case of invasive meningococcal infection
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (February 6) 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 46-year-old male with good past health. He presented with a fever, neck pain, vomiting and confusion on February 3. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital on February 5 and was hospitalised. His cerebrospinal fluid specimen tested positive for Neisseria meningitidis upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was meningococcaemia.He is currently in a stable condition.
An initial investigation revealed that the patient lives alone and had no travel history during the incubation period. The CHP's investigation is ongoing. Initial findings suggest that this is a sporadic case with no epidemiological linkages to previously confirmed cases in Hong Kong.
Meningococcal infection is a statutory notifiable disease. The CHP has recorded two cases 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 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.
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP), Photo source: reference image
Crowd management measures and special traffic arrangements for Mong Kok Flower Market Road area
The Police will implement crowd management measures and special traffic arrangements in the Mong Kok Flower Market Road area from February 7 to 17 to maintain smooth traffic flow and public safety.
A. Crowd management measures
With large crowds expected at the Flower Market before the Lunar New Year, the Police will implement crowd management measures depending on the crowd condition. These measures will apply to Flower Market Road, Yuen Ngai Street, Yuen Po Street and the adjacent service road of Prince Edward Road West, Sai Yee Street, Fa Yuen Street and Playing Field Road. Members of the public are urged to remain patient, follow instructions given by police officers on site, and enter these areas in an orderly manner.
B. Special traffic arrangements
The following traffic arrangements will be implemented from 8am on February 7 to 8am on February 17:
(1) Road closure and traffic diversions
The following roads will be closed, except for vehicles with a permit:
- Flower Market Road;
- Yuen Ngai Street;
- Yuen Po Street; and
- The service road of Prince Edward Road West between Sai Yee Street and Yuen Po Street.
Depending on the traffic and crowd conditions, the following roads may be closed:
- Sai Yee Street between the service road of Prince Edward Road West and Boundary Street;
- Fa Yuen Street between the service road of Prince Edward Road West and Boundary Street;
- Playing Field Road between Tung Choi Street and Sai Yee Street; and
- The service road of Prince Edward Road West between Nathan Road and Sai Yee Street.
During the above road closure period, traffic along westbound Prince Edward Road West near Nathan Road cannot make a U-turn to the service road of Prince Edward Road West.
(2) Suspension of parking spaces
The parking spaces on the following roads will be suspended:
- The metered parking spaces on Fa Yuen Street between the service road of Prince Edward Road West and Boundary Street;
- The metered parking spaces on Tung Choi Street between the service road of Prince Edward Road West and Boundary Street;
- The metered parking spaces on Playing Field Road between Tung Choi Street and Sai Yee Street;
- The motorcycle parking spaces on Tung Choi Street near Playing Field Road;
- The motorcycle parking spaces on Playing Field Road between Fa Yuen Street and Tung Choi Street;
- The motorcycle parking spaces under the Prince Edward Road West flyover between Tung Choi Street and Sai Yee Street;
- The disabled parking spaces on Fa Yuen Street near Boundary Street; and
- The disabled parking spaces on Playing Field Road near Tung Choi Street.
All vehicles parked illegally during the implementation of the above special traffic arrangements will be towed away without prior warning, and may be subject to multiple ticketing.
Depending on the actual traffic and crowd conditions, other traffic control and crowd management measures will be implemented. Members of the public are urged to use public transport services as far as possible. Motorists are advised to exercise tolerance and patience, and to take heed of instructions of the Police on site.
Source: AI-found images
