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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 9) called on the public to stay vigilant against infection by community-associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA), a drug-resistant bacterium.
The appeal was made following the CHP's investigation into a confirmed case of invasive CA-MRSA involving an 8-year-old boy living in Sham Shui Po.
The boy, with good past health, presented with fever and cough since October 28. He was admitted to Caritas Medical Centre on October 30. The diagnosis was pneumonia.
The boy is currently in stable condition. His sputum collected grew CA-MRSA.
He has no recent travel history. His home contacts had no symptoms of CA-MRSA infection.
MRSA is a type of Staphylococcus aureus that is resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics. It is a common infection worldwide.
In recent years, many countries have observed MRSA infections in healthy individuals who have not been hospitalised or stayed in other health-care facilities or institutions, nor received medical procedures in the year before the onset of symptoms. They are known as CA-MRSA infections and usually have special patterns of antibiotic resistance.
It is widely recognised that indiscriminate use of antibiotics may contribute to antibiotics resistance, a CHP spokesman said.
People are advised not to use antibiotics without professional advice. If they are advised by doctors to take antibiotics, they should take the medicine according to the prescribed frequency and dosage. People should observe good personal hygiene including washing hands with liquid soap frequently.
For further information on CA-MRSA, please visit the CHP website, www.chp.gov.hk.
Ends/Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Issued at HKT 11:18
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