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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a confirmed case of Shiga toxin producing E. coli (STEC) O124:H19 infection. This serotype of the bacterium was identified for the first time by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch in Hong Kong.
A spokesman for the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Centre said, "Bacterial strains belonging to the STEC group have been sporadically detected in Hong Kong. Since June 2011, the CHP has expanded the criterion for notification to include all STECs, in addition to the classical E. coli O157:H7.
"Like E. coli O157, E. coli O124 can produces symptoms such as bloody diarrhoea. Cases of E. coli O124 infections have been reported in overseas countries in the past."
The patient is a 71-year-old woman with underlying illness. She presented with bloody diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain and fever on July 23 and attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Caritas Medical Centre where she was admitted for further treatment.
Her stool specimen grew Vibrio parahaemolyticus in laboratory tests. The same specimen later also grew STEC O124:H19.
She remained in a stable condition and was discharged on July 26.
The patient had no travel history during the incubation period. Her home contacts were asymptomatic. A home visit was conducted by the CHP and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department with health advice given.
Investigation by the CHP continues.
A CHP spokesman said preventive measures for STEC infection are similar to those recommended for other food-borne diseases. The public are urged to maintain good personal and food hygiene:
* Wash hands properly with liquid soap and water before eating or handling food, and after going to the toilet or changing diapers;
* Cook food and boil water thoroughly before consumption. Most food-borne viruses and bacteria (including STEC) can be killed when food is cooked or reheated long enough at sufficiently high temperature. When cooking or reheating, the core temperature of the food should reach at least 75°C;
* Young children, elderly people, pregnant women and persons with weakened immune systems should avoid eating high-risk foods, e.g. unpasteurised milk, soft cheese, prepared or stored salads and cold meats; and
* Consult your doctor immediately if you have symptoms of STEC infection, particularly bloody diarrhoea.
Ends/Friday, August 5, 2011
Issued at HKT 17:40
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