New Melioidosis Case Reported in Hong Kong; Public Urged to Avoid Soil Contact After Storms

CHP announces new melioidosis case

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 14) announced that one new melioidosis case was recorded in the past week (August 7 to 13). Given that Hong Kong is often affected by typhoons and rainstorms during the summer, the CHP reminds members of the public, in particular high-risk groups (including the elderly and people with underlying diseases), to avoid contact with soil or muddy water after typhoons or storms with a view to lowering the risk of melioidosis infection.

The case involves a 73-year-old male with underlying illnesses who lives in Sham Shui Po District. On July 31, he presented with a fever and subsequently developed a cough with sputum and shortness of breath. On August 10, he attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Caritas Medical Centre and was admitted for treatment. His clinical diagnosis was pneumonia. His clinical sample tested positive for Burkholderia pseudomallei. He is currently in stable condition.

The CHP is investigating the infection source of the case. An initial epidemiological investigation revealed that the case is sporadic. No epidemiological linkages have been established between this case and other confirmed cases previously recorded in Hong Kong.

Person-to-person transmission and animal-to-human transmission are rare, but the bacteria causing melioidosis can survive in the local environment. Melioidosis is an endemic disease in Hong Kong, and melioidosis cases have been recorded in Hong Kong each year. As of yesterday (August 13), eight melioidosis cases have been recorded in Hong Kong this year. Last year, 21 melioidosis cases were recorded.

According to literature, melioidosis cases are more common after typhoons or rainstorms. The bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei in soil and muddy water may become exposed on the ground after typhoons or rainstorms, and the bacteria could spread more easily with strong winds or rainstorms. As such, the number of melioidosis cases may increase. Where practicable, members of the public should stay indoors during typhoons and rainstorms, avoid travelling to areas with potential flooding, and not wade in or have contact with muddy water and soil. In addition, high-risk individuals should avoid paths near stormwater drains where aerosols may be generated from contaminated water.

Members of the public should also take the following preventive measures against infection:

• Avoid contact with contaminated soil;

• Wear appropriate protective clothing or footwear when participating in activities with possible contact with soil or water, e.g. using gloves and wearing boots. High-risk individuals may also consider wearing a surgical mask;

• Wash or shower after exposure to contaminated water or soil;

• Always clean any wounds as soon as possible and cover them with waterproof dressings;

• Wash hands with liquid soap and water after handling soil or gardening;

• Observe food hygiene and avoid drinking raw water; and

• Travellers can contract the disease through outdoor water sports. Risk of infection can be minimised by avoiding exposure to water sources (such as rivers, ponds or lakes) that might be contaminated.

The CHP appealed to members of the public to seek medical advice if they develop symptoms, in particular people with diabetes or other immunocompromising conditions, in order to receive an appropriate medical diagnosis and treatment. For more information on melioidosis, please visit the website of the CHP at www.chp.gov.hk/en/healthtopics/content/24/101110.html.

The Centre for Health Protection, Photo source: reference image

Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for importing of duty-not-paid cigarettes

Two incoming male passengers were each sentenced to six months' imprisonment with a fine of $2,000 by the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts today (September 7) for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).

Customs officers intercepted two incoming Mainland male passengers, aged 32 and 42, at Hong Kong International Airport on September 5 and 6 respectively, seized a total of 61 816 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $280,000 and a duty potential of about $205,000 from their personal baggage. The two passengers were subsequently arrested.

Customs welcomes the sentences. The custodial sentences have imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflect the seriousness of the offences.

Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for importing of duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for importing of duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases