Press Release

Case of invasive meningococcal infection under CHP investigation

17 April 2014

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (April 17) investigating a confirmed case of invasive meningococcal infection, a communicable disease transmitted by direct contact with droplets from carriers or infected persons.

The case involves a 91-year-old woman living in an elderly home in Southern District. She has underlying illnesses and presented with fever and shortness of breath on April 14. She was admitted to Ruttonjee Hospital (RH) on the same day and her current condition is stable.

The blood specimen taken from the patient grew Neisseria meningitidis. Preliminary investigation by the CHP showed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. The CHP has distributed chemoprophylaxis to those close contacts in the elderly home.

The CHP’s investigation is continuing.

This is the second confirmed case of invasive meningococcal infection reported to the CHP this year. Three cases were filed in 2013 while there were four in 2012.

"Meningococcal infection is caused by a bacterium known as meningococcus. It is mainly transmitted by direct contact through respiratory secretions, including droplets from the nose and throat, from infected persons. The incubation period varies from two to 10 days, and is commonly three to four days," a spokesman for the CHP explained.

The clinical picture may vary. Severe illness may result when the bacteria invades the bloodstream (meningococcaemia) or the membranes that envelop the brain and spinal cord (meningococcal meningitis).

Meningococcaemia is characterised by sudden onset of fever, intense headache, purpura, shock and even death in severe cases. Meningococcal meningitis is characterised by high fever, severe headache and stiff neck followed by drowsiness, vomiting, fear of bright light, or a rash. It can cause brain damage or even death. The brain damage may lead to intellectual impairment, mental retardation, hearing loss and electrolyte imbalance. Invasive meningococcal infections can be complicated by arthritis, inflammation of heart muscle, inflammation of the posterior chamber of the eye or chest infection.

Meningococcal infection is a serious illness. Patients should be treated promptly with antibiotics.

To prevent meningococcal infection, members of the public are advised to take heed of the following measures:

• Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly, especially when they are dirtied by respiratory secretions, e.g. after sneezing, and clean hands with alcohol-based handrub when they are not visibly soiled;
• Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, hold the spit with tissue, dispose of nasal and mouth discharge in a lidded rubbish bin, and wash hands immediately;
• Avoid crowded places;
• Avoid close contact with patients who have fever or severe headache;
• Travellers to high-risk areas may consult doctors for meningococcal vaccination; and* Travellers returning from high-risk areas should seek medical advice if they become ill and should discuss their recent travel history with their doctor.

The public may visit the CHP's website ( www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/24/2086.html ) for more information on meningococcal infection.