CHP investigates case of invasive meningococcal infection

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (January 4) investigating a case of invasive meningococcal infection, a communicable disease transmitted by direct contact with droplets from carriers or infected persons.

     The case involves a 1-year-old baby boy with good past health, who had presented with fever, cough, vomiting and rash over limbs since January 3. He was sent to the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital for medical attention and was admitted on the same day. His clinical diagnosis was meningitis. The patient is now in a stable condition.

     His cerebrospinal fluid sample tested positive for Neisseria meningitidis upon laboratory testing.

     Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. His home contacts have remained asymptomatic so far. The CHP's investigation is continuing.

     "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, and is commonly three or four days," a spokesman for the CHP said.

     The clinical picture may vary. Severe illness may result when the bacteria invade 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 the 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 for more information on meningococcal infection.




Meetings of Legislative Council and its Committees

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

     The Legislative Council (LegCo) and its Committees will hold 15 open meetings, two public hearings and three closed meetings during the week from January 7 to 11 in the LegCo Complex.  Details of the meetings are available in the meeting schedule attached.
      
     The information in the meeting schedule is subject to change.  Please refer to the "LegCo Calendar" on the LegCo Website (www.legco.gov.hk) for the latest details of meetings.
      
     Members of the public are welcome to observe open meetings of LegCo and its Committees.  Interested individuals and groups are advised to make advance booking of seats by calling the LegCo Secretariat at 3919 3399 during office hours.  Members of the public can also listen to or watch all open meetings via the "Webcast" system on the LegCo Website.




Appeal for information on missing man in Lok Ma Chau (with photo)

     Police today (January 4) appealed to the public for information on a man who went missing in Lok Ma Chau.

     Lo Sun-wah, aged 58, went missing after he left a rehabilitation home on Ho Sheung Heung Pai Fung Road in Lok Ma Chau on December 20, 2018 afternoon. Staff of the rehabilitation home made a report to Police on the next day.

     He is about 1.68 metres tall, 54 kilograms in weight and of medium build. He has a long face with yellow complexion and short straight grey hair. He was last seen wearing a black shirt, brown trousers, and black and white sports shoes.

     Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing man or may have seen him is urged to contact the Regional Missing Person Unit of New Territories North on 3661 3127 or 6273 5787, or email to rmpu-ntn-1@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.

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LegCo Panel on Transport visits Central – Wan Chai Bypass and Island Eastern Corridor Link (with photos)

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

     The Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Transport conducted a visit to the Central – Wan Chai Bypass and Island Eastern Corridor Link (CWB) today (January 4) to better understand the latest development of the project before its commissioning.

     The CWB is 4.5 kilometres long of which 3.7km is in form of a tunnel, and connects the Rumsey Street Flyover in Central and the Island Eastern Corridor in North Point. Members first received a briefing by the Director of Highways, Mr Jimmy Chan, on the CWB project and the arrangements for its commissioning. Members then visited the CWB Tunnel to learn more its key features.

     Members learnt that the CWB Tunnel will introduce the first air purification system for use in road tunnels in Hong Kong, which can effectively remove at least 80 per cent of the respirable suspended particulates and nitrogen dioxide, resulting in air purification. Members also expressed concerns on issues relating to the effects of CWB in diverting traffic flows and the transport arrangements in the vicinity of the entrances and exits of CWB near Wan Chai and Tin Hau.

     Stage one of CWB will be commissioned on January 20. CWB will be fully commissioned after the opening of the carriageway connected with the Rumsey Street Flyover westbound.

     Members participating in the visit included the Panel Chairman, Mr Chan Han-pan; the Deputy Panel Chairman, Mr Jeremy Tam; Panel members Ms Claudia Mo, Mr Michael Tien, Mr Yiu Si-wing, Mr Charles Mok, Mr Poon Siu-ping, Dr Cheng Chung-tai, Mr Gary Fan, Mr Au Nok-hin, Mr Tony Tse; as well as non-Panel members Mr James To, Mr Kwok Wai-keung and Mr Cheung Kwok-kwan.

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Update on cluster of Parainfluenza Virus Type 2 cases in Siu Lam Hospital

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Regarding an earlier announcement on a cluster of patients infected with Parainfluenza Virus Type 2 in a male ward for severe intellectual disability, the spokesperson for Siu Lam Hospital gave the following update today (January 4):
 
     One more 45-year-old patient and a staff member in the ward presented with respiratory symptoms. An appropriate viral test was arranged for the patient and the test result was positive for Parainfluenza Virus Type 2. The patient concerned is being treated under isolation with stable condition. The staff member has recovered and has resumed duty.
 
     Admission to the ward has been suspended and restricted visiting has been imposed. Infection control measures have already been stepped up according to established guidelines. All other patients in the ward are under close surveillance.
 
     The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.