Press Release

Case of invasive meningococcal infection under CHP investigation

27 February 2015

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (February 27) 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 32-year-old woman with good past health. She has presented with fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea and skin rash since February 24. She attended a general practitioner on February 25 and was referred to the Accident and Emergency Department of Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) on the same day. She was subsequently admitted and transferred to the Intensive Care Unit as she developed hypotension and shock. She is now in stable condition after treatment.

According to the laboratory test result of PMH, the blood specimen taken from the patient grew Neisseria meningitidis.

Preliminary investigation by the CHP showed that the patient had no recent travel history. Her home contacts were asymptomatic.

The CHP's investigation is continuing.

This is the first confirmed case of invasive meningococcal infection reported to the CHP this year. Five cases were filed in 2014 while there were three in 2013.

"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.