12 Aug 2009
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 12) called on people to be 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 CA-MRSA case involving a 39-year-old man living in Tuen Mun.
The man presented with a right calf injury in mid-July. Redness and swelling increased over the injured area. He was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital in stable condition on July 24.
He was diagnosed to have osteomyelitis at his right tibia. Bone marrow taken from him grew CA-MRSA.
The CHP's investigations showed that the patient's household contacts did not develop any 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 and is usually associated with hospital settings.
However, in recent years, many countries observed MRSA infections among healthy individuals in the community.
It is mainly transmitted through direct contact with wounds, discharge and soiled areas, usually via hands, which may then contaminate other areas of the body, items or surfaces.
Symptoms may include redness, warmth, swelling, skin tenderness or pus drainage. Sometimes more serious effects such as purulent wound infections and severe pneumonia may occur, requiring hospitalisation and special antibiotics for treatment.
The spokesman said the risk of transmission could be minimised by maintaining good personal hygiene including washing hands with soap frequently and wearing gloves when touching grossly soiled items.
"People should clean any broken skin with waterproof adhesive bandages and wash hands before and after touching wounds.
"If they have an open wound, they should avoid contact sports and visiting public bath houses. They should also avoid sharing personal items such as unlaundered towels, clothing or uniforms and razors," the spokesman said.
People should pay special attention to personal hygiene while taking antibiotics as loss of normal bacterial flora during that period predisposes them to CA-MRSA infection. They should eat only well-cooked food and drink boiled water.
For further information on CA-MRSA, please visit the CHP website:
www.chp.gov.hk
.