12 Mar 2009
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (March 12) called on members of the public to be vigilant against infection from community-associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) - a drug resistant bacterium.
The appeal was made following the CHP's investigation into a confirmed CA-MRSA case involving a 25-year-old man living in Sha Tin. The man presented with fever, chills and rigour since February 16 and later developed night sweating, headache and right chest pain.
The patient was admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital on February 27 and was diagnosed to have a liver abscess. He is now in the hospital in stable condition.
The pus from his liver abscess grew CA-MRSA.
The CHP's investigations showed that the patient’s household contacts did not develop any symptoms 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 hospitalised 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 recognised that indiscriminate use of antibiotics may contribute to antibiotics resistance.
Members of the public are advised not to use antibiotics without medical 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:
www.chp.gov.hk
.