17 Dec 2010
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (December 17) urged members of the public and management of institutions to maintain good environmental and personal hygiene to prevent Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infection.
The appeal was made after the CHP received a report of an invasive Hib case involving a 37-year-old man.
The patient, with underlying medical conditions, lives in a residential care home for the disabled in Sham Shui Po. He presented with shortness of breath and abdominal pain on December 11 and was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital. However, he developed multi-organ failure on the next day, and required treatment at Intensive Care Unit. His current condition is critical.
His blood specimen grew Haemophilus influenzae serotype b.
The patient stayed in the hostel during incubation period. All residents and staff of the hostel were asymptomatic.
CHP staff have visited the hostel and provided health advice to the management. Investigation continues.
Hib is a germ which infrequently causes invasive disease in young children. The risk of invasive disease among older people is even lower.
Invasive Hib disease commonly presents as infection of membranes covering the brain (meningitis), often accompanied by germ entering the bloodstream. It may also affect other parts of the body, such as the lungs, upper part of the throat, joints and bones. Prompt antibiotic treatment is usually effective for curing the infection.
Hib infection has become a statutory notifiable disease since July 14, 2008. This is the first Hib case in 2010. There was one case reported in 2009.
To prevent Hib infection, members of the public are advised to observe personal hygiene and adopt the following measures:
* maintain hand hygiene and clean hands properly.
* wash hands when they are soiled with respiratory secretions e.g. after sneezing or coughing.
*cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal discharge and sputum properly.
*do not share eating and drinking utensils and wash them thoroughly after use.
*avoid going to crowded places if not feeling well.