Press Release

Case of invasive meningococcal infection under CHP investigation

2 September 2013

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 2) investigating a confirmed case of invasive meningococcal infection, a communicable disease transmitted by direct contact with droplets from carriers or infected persons, and hence appealed to the public for vigilance.

The 39-year-old female patient, with good past health, has presented with coryzal symptoms since August 27. The patient developed fever, vomiting and headache on August 29 and consulted a physician on the same day. She was brought to the Accident and Emergency Department of Princess Margaret Hospital after she developed acute confusion on August 30 and was transferred to a private hospital for intensive care on the same day.

The clinical diagnosis is meningitis and she is currently in a stable condition.

Her cerebrospinal fluid culture grew Neisseria meningitides, the bacteria causing meningococcal infection, upon confirmation by the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the CHP.

The patient has no recent travel history. Her household contacts remained asymptomatic. The CHP's investigation is proceeding.

This is the third confirmed case of invasive meningococcal infection reported to the CHP this year. Four cases were filed in 2012 while eight were reported in 2011.

A CHP spokesman explained that 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, commonly three to four days.

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 (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/24/2086.html) for more information on meningococcal infection.