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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 14) cautioned members of the public against bacillary dysentery infection.
The CHP has received an increased number of bacillary dysentery notifications recently, with the number of cases reaching six in June so far, compared to monthly notifications ranging from one to five cases between January and May 2012.
A CHP spokesman said, "Preliminary investigation revealed that five of the recent six patients had illness caused by Shigella sonnei, and they all lived in Tuen Mun.
"These five cases were two males and three females, aged between 6 and 14. They presented with fever, diarrhoea and vomiting from June 3 to 6. All of them sought medical consultation. Three of them required hospital admission. They are all in stable condition.
"Investigation is under way to ascertain or exclude a common source of infection," the spokesman said.
Bacillary dysentery is an intestinal infection caused by a group of Shigella bacteria which can be found in the human gut. It is transmitted directly by the faecal material of a patient/carrier or indirectly through contaminated food and water. It occurs more commonly amongst young children. In Hong Kong, more cases were recorded in summer months.
The spokesman advised members of the public to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene to avoid infection. They should:
* wash hands properly with soap and water before eating or handling food, and after going to the toilet or changing diapers;
* purchase fresh food from reliable sources, and not patronise illegal hawkers; and
* seek medical attention when they have symptoms of fever and diarrhoea, especially bloody diarrhoea.
Ends/Thursday, June 14, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:07
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