3 Sep 2009
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 3) 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 invasive CA-MRSA case involving a 42-year-old man living in Tsuen Wan. The man presented with fever, cough and chest discomfort on August 10 and was admitted to Yan Chai Hospital the same day. He was transferred to Queen Mary Hospital on August 27 and is now in serious condition.
The patient was diagnosed to have endocarditis, septicaemia and pneumonia. His blood culture grew CA-MRSA.
The CHP's investigations showed that the patient's household contacts did not develop any symptoms of CA-MRSA infection.
An investigation is ongoing.
MRSA is a type of staphylococcus aureus 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 before onset of symptoms. They are known as CA-MRSA infections and usually have special patterns of antibiotic resistance.
It was widely recognised that indiscriminate use of antibiotics may contribute to antibiotics resistance, a CHP spokesman said.
People 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. People should 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
.