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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a suspected case of scarlet fever complicated with septic shock involving a 15-month-old girl.
Since August 22, the child presented with fever, chickenpox and sandpaper rash. She was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on August 29. She developed tachycardia and was today (August 30) transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of the hospital.
The child is now in serious condition. Her clinical diagnosis was scarlet fever complicated with septic shock.
Results of throat swab and blood culture tests are pending.
The CHP's investigation revealed that the patient has no recent travel history. Her home contacts are asymptomatic.
Investigation continues.
A CHP spokesman explained that scarlet fever is caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria and can be cured by appropriate antibiotics. The disease usually affects children between two to eight years of age and presents as fever, sore throat and rash. The rash appears over the trunk and neck and spreads to the limbs, especially the armpits, elbows and groin. The illness is usually clinically mild but can be complicated by shock, heart and kidney diseases.
"Scarlet fever is transmitted through either the respiratory route or direct contact with infected respiratory secretions," he said.
People who are suspected to have scarlet fever should consult their doctors.
To prevent infection, members of the public are advised to:
* maintain good personal and environmental hygiene;
* keep hands clean and wash hands properly;
* wash hands when they are dirtied by
respiratory secretions, e.g. after sneezing;
* cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and mouth discharge properly; and
* maintain good ventilation.
Ends/Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:27
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