Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection under watch

2 July 2010

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has detected a rise in infections related to a common pathogen, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, possibly signalling the beginning of an active phase.

The spokesman said Mycoplasma is a common pathogen that spreads through contact with droplets from the nose and throat of infected people especially when they cough and sneeze. The incubation period is about 3 weeks. Common symptoms include fever, malaise, headache, chills, dry cough and sore throat. Patients usually recover on their own. A minority of patients may present with pneumonia which is readily treatable with antibiotics.

In the past, cyclical high activity of Mycoplasma pneumoniae was recorded every three to four years in Hong Kong, with the last period of high activity occurring in 2005-2006.

"The number of positive detections by serology for Mycoplasma pneumoniae ranged from 3 to 106 per month during 2001-09. A higher number of positive serology samples was observed in May and June this year with monthly detections of 68 and 97 respectively. Most detections came from people aged 5 to 14 years," the spokesman said.

The spokesman said no institutional outbreak caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae has been observed this year.

Good personal hygiene and infection control practices can effectively prevent transmission of Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

The public are advised to stay vigilant and maintain personal and environmental hygiene habits including washing hands frequently particularly after sneezing or coughing and maintaining good indoor ventilation.

The CHP will continue to monitor developments.

More information about Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection can be found at the CHP website at http://www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/24/21283.html.