27 Jun 2011
The Scientific Committee (SC) on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases and Scientific Committee on Advanced Data Analysis and Disease Modelling under the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) held a joint meeting today (June 27) to review and discuss the upsurge of scarlet fever (SF) in Hong Kong.
The SCs made a number of observations. The overall epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of SF cases in this outbreak resemble those in the past, although infrequently some cases may have atypical clinical presentation. The case fatality rate so far is not significantly higher than historical or international figures. High SF activity will probably persist for a period of time into the summer.
The underlying reasons for the SF upsurge are being examined. The contribution of new Group A Streptococcus (GAS) clone(s) with altered genetic characteristics causing this outbreak remains to be further investigated.
For patients with suspected SF, the penicillin group of antibiotics is the treatment of choice and should be given for at least 10 days. Judicious use of antibiotics is important in preventing the development of bacterial resistance. Microbiological testing by antigen testing and culture should be considered to guide antimicrobial therapy. Patients with only runny nose without fever should not be considered for antimicrobial therapy unless the clinical condition changes or the microbiological test is positive for GAS.
To prepare for scarlet fever in the upcoming summer holidays, the Controller of CHP of DH, Dr Thomas Tsang, also chaired an interdepartmental meeting today. Participants included representatives of Social Welfare Department, Education Bureau, Home Affairs Department, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Information Services Department and Hospital Authority.
Speaking after the meeting, Dr Thomas Tsang said that CHP and HA have stepped up surveillance of scarlet fever patients as well as other serious and invasive forms of infection admitted to Intensive Care Units caused by Group A Streptococcus. Resources are being allocated to conduct more laboratory tests on the bacteria.
On the publicity and education front, a new radio Announcement in the Public Interest on scarlet fever is now on air. A daily update on the latest situation of SF is available on the CHP website ( www.chp.gov.hk ). CHP, the Social Welfare Department and Education Bureau have been sending letters to childcare centres and schools detailing the measures to prevent scarlet fever. Ahead of the summer holidays, posters and leaflets will be distributed to various public venues with collaboration of government departments present at the meeting. CHP will continue to maintain close communications with healthcare professionals on the latest epidemiology and information pertaining to clinical diagnosis and management of SF patients.
The full statement by the joint Scientific Committee meeting is available at the CHP website ( www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/kitemark_statements_of_joint_scezd_and_scadadm_on_scarlet_fever_27062011.pdf ).