CHP announces no new confirmed melioidosis infection cases today

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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 30) said that no new confirmed melioidosis infection cases had been recorded as at 5pm today. The CHP appealed to members of the public to seek medical advice if they develop symptoms, in particular people with diabetes or other immunocompromised conditions, in order to receive appropriate medical diagnosis and treatment. Of note, antibody test is not used for diagnosing active infection of melioidosis, and serological tests conducted on recovered cases of asymptomatic infection many years ago in the past could possibly give positive result.

     To enhance surveillance against melioidosis cases, the CHP has been working closely with the Hospital Authority, and has reminded doctors in Hong Kong to enhance vigilance to suspected cases and promptly refer patients (especially those with chronic illnesses) to hospitals for treatment and report to the CHP according to the test result for the bacteria.

     Apart from arranging several health talks for Sham Shui Po residents in the past two weeks, the CHP will continue to deliver health messages to the local community and the general public via various channels.

     A spokesman for the CHP reiterated that person-to-person transmission and animal-to-human transmission are rare, but Melioidosis bacteria can survive in the local environment and melioidosis cases have been recorded in Hong Kong each year. According to literature, infection cases are more common after typhoons or storms. The bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei of melioidosis in the soil and muddy water may become exposed to the ground after typhoons or storms, and the bacteria would spread easier with strong wind or storms. As such, the number of melioidosis cases may increase.

     For more information on melioidosis, please visit the website of the CHP at www.chp.gov.hk/en/healthtopics/content/24/101110.html.

Ends/Sunday, October 30, 2022
Issued at HKT 20:00

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