The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (November 5) reported an update on the investigations of the suspected Mycobacterium abscessus infection cluster. Currently, the suspected Mycobacterium abscessus infection cluster involved a total of 17 females.
The CHP has set up an enquiry hotline (2125 2372) for the related cases, which operates from Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) from 9am to 5.30pm. The hotline also operated from 9am to 1pm yesterday (November 4) and today to receive enquiries. The hotline was set up on November 3 and as of 1pm today, 11 calls were received, among which five females, aged 25 to 32, said that they had received relevant injection services and developed compatible symptoms.
In addition, the CHP has not identified new premises involved in the cases since the set up of the hotline. The CHP again appeals to persons who have patronised the following premises, or have arranged and received relevant injections via the following Instagram social media accounts after which presented with relevant symptoms, should seek medical attention and call the hotline immediately. Officers of the CHP will assess their condition and arrange for follow-up as appropriate.
| Name of premises | Address of premises | |
| 1 | GALS GLAM BEAUTY (Business registration name being "GALS GLAM CLINIC") |
6/F, Hop Hing Industrial Building, 702-704 Castle Peak Road, Lai Chi Kok |
| 2 | GALS GLAM (Business registration name being "GALS GLAM CLINIC") |
4/F, Wing Hong Centre, 18 Wing Hong Street, Lai Chi Kok |
| 3 | CHING'S BEAUTY (Business registration name being "CHING'S BEAUTY LIMITED") |
10/F, Block A, Alexandra Industrial Building, 23-27 Wing Hong Street, Lai Chi Kok |
| Instagram social media accounts | |
| 1 | "90s__beautygirls" |
| 2 | "galsglam.beauty" |
| 3 | "beauty_hklady" |
Based on information obtained in a preliminary investigation, the CHP cannot rule out the possibility of illegal medical practice. Investigations are ongoing.
The DH reminded members of the public that injection procedures should only be performed by a locally registered doctor. Customers should look for his or her full name against the list of registered doctors of the Medical Council of Hong Kong as well as his or her professional qualifications and relevant experience. The DH also urged the public to observe the health advice below before receiving injections:
- Understand the procedure, potential risks and complications before receiving injections. Consult a doctor for an informed decision;
- Do not receive an injection in the case of a history of allergy to the injection, or infection or inflammation on the injection site;
- Request the full name of the doctor in writing if referred by a beauty service provider for the procedure, as well as the professional qualifications and relevant experience; and
- If symptoms develop, such as fever or feeling unwell, seek medical attention immediately.
The public may visit the DH's webpage on the differentiation between medical procedures and beauty services and the Drug Database of the Drug Office for more information.
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