11 Aug 2011
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 11) investigating a severe case of Group A Streptococcal infection involving a 62-year-old woman with chronic illness.
The patient slipped and fell at home and sustained injury to her right hand on August 3. She developed right hand redness and swelling the next day. She was admitted to Tseung Kwan O Hospital on August 6 for persistent symptoms. Her condition deteriorated after admission with development of hypotension. She was then transferred to the Intensive Care Unit and is in serious condition.
Laboratory test on the wound swab grew Streptococcus pyogenes. The clinical diagnosis was severe Group A Streptococcal infection with toxic shock syndrome.
The patient had no recent travel history. Her home contact was asymptomatic.
CHP's investigation continued.