The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (January 6) 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 37-year-old male with good past health, who was admitted to a correctional institution in Southern District since early December last year. The patient was clinically stable until January 3 this year. He started to have signs of mental confusion and was immediately sent to the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Mary Hospital on January 4. Later, the patient developed fever and was transferred to the intensive care unit for further treatment. His clinical diagnosis was meningitis. His cerebrospinal fluid sample tested positive for Neisseria meningitidis upon laboratory testing.
The CHP is carrying out its epidemiological investigations and has arranged chemoprophylaxis for all close contacts, who have remained asymptomatic so far. The institution has also followed the advice by the CHP to immediately disinfect relevant environment. 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 pictures among the infected 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 a sudden onset of fever, intense headache, purpura, shock and even death in severe cases. Meningococcal meningitis is characterised by high fever, severe headache and a 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 infection 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 a 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 a 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.
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