7 Nov 2009
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 7) is investigating a confirmed case of meningococcal infection, a communicable disease transmitted by direct contact with infected persons' droplets.
The case involved a 36-year-old man living in Tsim Sha Tsui. He developed fever around November 5 and was found collapsed in his home the next day. He was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital immediately. He died eventually on November 7.
Investigations showed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. Laboratory test results confirmed he has meningococcal meningitis.
This is the second confirmed case of meningococcal infection this year. No case was reported last year and two cases in 2007.
A spokesman for the CHP said that meningococcal infection is caused by a bacterium known as meningococcus. It is transmitted by direct contact, including droplets from the nose and throat of infected people. The incubation period varies from two to 10 days, commonly three to four days.
The clinical picture may be variable. Severe illness may result when the bacteria invade the bloodstream (causing meningococcaemia) or the brain (causing meningitis).
Meningococcaemia is characterised by the sudden onset of fever, intense headache, purpura, shock and even death in severe cases. Meningitis is characterised by the sudden onset of intense headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, photophobia and stiff neck. Early cases can be treated effectively with antibiotics.
Members of the public are advised to:
* Wash hands frequently, and observe good personal and environmental hygiene;
* Avoid crowded places;
* Avoid close contact with patients who have fever or severe headache; and
* Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, and hold the spit with tissue, discard it into a bin with a lid and wash hands immediately.
The public can visit the CHP's website, www.chp.gov.hk , for general information about the disease.