CHP investigates invasive meningococcal infection case
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 10) is investigating a case of invasive meningococcal infection involving a patient who travelled to Japan during the incubation period. The CHP 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 nine-year-old girl with underlying illness. On April 9, she presented with a fever, nausea and malaise, and was taken to consult a private doctor. On the same night, she developed a non-blanching rash and shock, and was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Princess Margaret Hospital, where she was admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit. She is currently in a critical condition. Her blood specimen was tested positive for meningococcus on laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis is meningococcaemia complicated with septic shock.
An initial investigation revealed that the patient had travelled with her family to Japan in a tour group between April 2 and 6. As her household contacts have remained asymptomatic so far, her source of infection is still under investigation. The patient has been to crowded places during her stay in Japan, it cannot be ruled out that she was infected through contact with carriers at the location she visited. As the individuals joining the same tour group had common activities and exposure risks as the patient, for the sake of prudence, the CHP is contacting the tour group members and the tour guide for follow up. The CHP will prescribe preventive drugs to them and place them under medical surveillance, with a view to rule out the occurrence of other cases. The CHP's investigation is ongoing and further laboratory analysis of the bacterial strain will be conducted.
Based on the currently available information, this is a sporadic case. No epidemiological link has been found to previously confirmed cases in Hong Kong or the cluster of infections that emerged in the United Kindgom last month.
Meningococcal infection is a statutory notifiable disease. The CHP has recorded five 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.
The infection risk for the public who visit tourist spots in general is not high. For those with weak immune systems, they should wear a mask when going to crowded places and maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times. To prevent meningococcal infection, the CHP urged members of the public 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.
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP), Photo source: reference image
