25 Nov 2011
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a confirmed case of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection.
The patient is a 51-year-old man who sought medical consultation for rectal bleeding at Specialised Out-patient Department of Caritas Medical Centre on November 10.
The man’s condition remained stable and hospitalisation was not required. His stool specimen grew Shiga toxin-producing E. coli.
The patient had no travel history during the incubation period. His home contacts were asymptomatic.
Investigation by the CHP continues.
A CHP spokesman said, "Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacterium that is commonly found in the gut of humans and warm-blooded animals. Most strains of E. coli are harmless. Some strains, however, such as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), can produce powerful toxins and cause severe foodborne disease. Bacterial strains belonging to the STEC group have been sporadically detected in Hong Kong. The most recognised serogroup of STEC is E.coli O157:H7. Since June 2011, the CHP has expanded the criterion for notification to include all STECs, in addition to the classical E. coli O157:H7."
The spokesman said preventive measures for STEC infection are similar to those recommended for other food-borne diseases. The public are urged to maintain good personal and food hygiene:
* Wash hands properly with liquid soap and water before eating or handling food, and after going to the toilet or changing diapers;
* Cook food and boil water thoroughly before consumption. Most food-borne viruses and bacteria (including STEC) can be killed when food is cooked or reheated long enough at sufficiently high temperature. When cooking or reheating, the core temperature of the food should reach at least 75°C;
* Young children, elderly people, pregnant women and persons with weakened immune systems should avoid eating high-risk foods, e.g. unpasteurised milk, soft cheese, prepared or stored salads and cold meats; and
* Consult your doctor immediately if you have symptoms of STEC infection, particularly bloody diarrhoea.