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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 3) received a report of suspected case of meningococcal infection, a communicable disease transmitted by direct contact with infected persons' droplets.
The case involved a 67-year-old woman living in Kwun Tong who developed dizziness and vomiting on March 28. She consulted a private doctor. She collapsed on the second day and was admitted to United Christian Hospital. She passed away on March 30.
Results of laboratory tests are pending. The case has been referred by the hospital to the Coroner.
CHP's investigations revealed that the patient has no travel history within the incubation period. Her home contacts did not have symptoms of meningococcal infection.
A spokesman for CHP said that meningococcal infection is caused by a bacterium known as meningococcus. It is transmitted by direct contact, including droplets from the nose and throat of infected people. The incubation period varies from two to ten days, commonly three to four days.
The clinical picture may be variable. Severe illness may result when the bacteria invade the bloodstream (causing meningococcaemia) or the brain (causing meningitis).
Meningococcaemia is characterised by the sudden onset of fever, intense headache, purpura, shock and even death in severe cases. Meningitis is characterised by the sudden onset of intense headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, photophobia and stiff neck. Early cases can be treated effectively with antibiotics.
Apart from today's suspected case, there is no other confirmed case reported in 2008. For the past five years, two to six confirmed cases had been reported to DH each year.
Members of the public are advised to:
* Wash hands frequently, and observe good personal and environmental hygiene;
* Avoid crowded places;
* Avoid close contact with patients who have fever or severe headache; and
* Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, and hold the spit with tissue, discard it into a bin with a lid and wash hands immediately.
The public can visit the CHP's website www.chp.gov.hk for general information about the disease.
Ends/Thursday, April 3, 2008
Issued at HKT 22:14
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