3 Sep 2011
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a fatal case of Group A Streptococcal infection involving a 58-year-old woman with chronic illnesses.
The patient was admitted to Queen Mary Hospital on August 24 for surgery on August 26.Her condition had been all along stable after the operation.
The patient complained of malaise on August 31 night. Her condition deteriorated and she succumbed the next day.
The case was referred to the coroner for investigation.
The patient's blood specimen taken on September 1 grew Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A).
The patient had no recent travel history. Her home contacts were asymptomatic.
CHP's investigation continues.