1 Mar 2010
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (March 1) 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 case of invasive CA-MRSA involving a 47-year-old man living in Wanchai District.
The man presented to hospital with left thigh pain, fever and deterioration of general condition on February 24 and was admitted for further management on the same day. He is now in critical condition.
His blood culture grew CA-MRSA.
The CHP's investigations showed that the patient's household contact did not develop any symptoms of CA-MRSA infection.
Investigations continue.
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
.