18 Jun 2012
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health investigated three more cases of bacillary dysentery infection upon receipt of notification from Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) today (June 18).
The three cases involved three females aged between three and 29. They developed symptoms of fever, diarrhoea and vomiting from June 10 to June 12. All of them consulted the Accident and Emergency Department of TMH and did not require hospitalisation.
The three patients all lived in Tuen Mun. Preliminary investigation revealed that their stool specimens all grew Shigella sonnei.
Investigation is on-going.
The notification brings the cumulative number of bacillary dysentery cases to nine in June this year so far.
Bacillary dysentery is an intestinal infection caused by a group of Shigella bacteria which can be found in human gut. It is transmitted directly by faecal material of a patient/carrier or indirectly through contaminated food and water. It occurs more commonly amongst young children. In Hong Kong, more cases were recorded in summer months.
The spokesman reminded members of the public again to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene to avoid infection. They should:
* wash hands properly with soap and water before eating or handling food, and after toilet or changing diapers;
* purchase fresh food from reliable sources, do not patronize illegal hawkers; and
* seek medical attention when they have symptoms of fever and diarrhea, especially bloody diarrhea.