CHP appeals for heightened vigilance against invasive Group B Streptococcus

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 4) appealed to members of the public for heightened vigilance against invasive Group B Streptococcus and urged them to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene.

     The CHP has recently received reports by the Hospital Authority that 51 in-patients had tested positive for invasive Group B Streptococcus last month, showing a surge as compared with a range of nine to 26 cases per month over the past three years (2019 – August 2021). They involve 25 males and 26 females aged from one month to 96 years.

     The spokesman said, "According to literature, the route of transmission of invasive Group B Streptococcal disease is mostly unclear. More commonly known route includes mother-to-child transmission. Overseas literature also reported that it relates to eating or improper handling of contaminated food. People who feel unwell should consult a doctor promptly."

     The CHP's epidemiological investigations on the above cases are ongoing to identify the possible sources of infection.

     To prevent diseases, members of the public are reminded to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene and should keep their hands clean and practice good wound care at all times:

• Always wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet;
• Avoid eating raw seafood;
• Handle raw and cooked foods carefully and separate them completely during the cooking process;
• Use two sets of chopsticks and utensils to handle raw and cooked food;
• Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
• Cleanse a wound thoroughly and cover it with a waterproof dressing;
• Keep the kitchen and cooking utensils clean; and
• Dispose of rubbish properly.