Press Release

CHP investigates the death involving a one-month-old baby girl

5 July 2012

The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health is investigating the death of a one-month-old baby girl, in whose clinical specimens found community-associated Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA).

The girl presented with runny nose and vomiting for about one week. She was found unconscious at home on June 19, and was brought to the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital but failed to respond to resuscitation. She was declared dead on the same day.

Her post-mortem lung specimens tested positive for CA-MRSA. Besides, a specimen of her right lung tested positive for cytomegalovirus antigen while her intestine specimen grew enterovirus (not EV-71 type).

The girl had no recent history of travel. Her home contacts were asymptomatic.

CHP's investigation continues. The cause of the girl's death is under investigation by the Coroner.