11 Feb 2009
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (February 11) called on people to be vigilant against infection from community-associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) - a drug resistant bacterium.
The appeal was made following CHP's investigation into a confirmed CA-MRSA case involving a 64-year-old woman. The woman began to develop cough on January 24 and developed fever on January 27. She was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on January 29 for high fever. She was diagnosed to have pneumonia and sepsis and her blood grew CA-MRSA.
She is now in the hospital in serious condition.
CHP's investigations showed that she came from the Philippines and stayed with relatives in Wong Tai Sin since January 17, 2009. Her household contacts in Hong Kong did not develop any symptom of CA-MRSA.
MRSA is a type of bacteria that is resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics. It is a common infection worldwide. In recent years, many countries observed MRSA infections in healthy individuals who have not been hospitalized or stayed in other healthcare facilities or institutions, nor received medical procedures in the past one year prior to onset of symptoms. They are known as CA-MRSA infections and usually have special patterns of antibiotic resistance.
It is widely recognized that indiscriminate use of antibiotics may contribute to antibiotics resistance.
Members of the public are advised not to use antibiotics without medical professional advice. If they are advised by doctors to take antibiotics, they should take the medicine according to the prescribed frequency and dosage. Members of the public are advised to observe good personal hygiene including washing hands with soap frequently.
For further information on CA-MRSA, please visit the CHP website:
http://www.chp.gov.hk
.