Tag Archives: China

Attention TV/radio announcers: Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:      Here is an item of interest to swimmers.      The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (January 30) that … read more

Attention TV/radio announcers: Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:      Here is an item of interest to swimmers.      The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (January 30) that … read more

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

     The Legislative Council Subcommittee on Matters Relating to the Promotion of New Industrialization visited the InnoHK Research Clusters (InnoHK) at Hong Kong Science Park today (January 29) to learn about its role in developing Hong Kong into the hub for global research collaboration.

     Members first received a briefing from the Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Mr Ivan Lee, on the development of InnoHK. InnoHK is a major innovation and technology initiative of the Government to transform the city into a global innovation powerhouse through world-class and impactful collaborative researches. Members learnt that the platform has so far attracted over 30 leading universities and research institutions home and abroad to set up 29 research laboratories at Hong Kong Science Park.

     Accompanied by the Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong, Members then visited four research and development centres that respectively focus on logistics robotics, medical robotics, biomedical instrumentation and diagnosis and treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. During the visit, Members exchanged views with researchers to gain an understanding on their work and the support they required, as well as how InnoHK helps translate their research outcomes into applications and solutions.

     At the invitation of the Administration, Members who participated in the visit were the Deputy Chairman of the Subcommittee, Mr Holden Chow; Subcommittee members Ms Elizabeth Quat, Dr Johnny Ng, Mr Shang Hailong and Professor William Wong; as well as non-Subcommittee member Mr Yim Kong.

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     Following a notification from Yan Chai Hospital (YCH) on a case of carbon monoxide poisoning, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) today (Jan… read more

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (January 29) 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 35-year-old male with good past health, who presented with fever, chills, headache, rash and stiff neck since January 25. He attended the Accident and Emergency department of Tin Shui Wai Hospital on January 26 and was admitted for treatment. His clinical diagnosis was sepsis. He was transferred to Pok Oi Hospital for further management on January 27. The patient is now in stable condition. His blood sample tested positive for Neisseria meningitidis upon laboratory testing.

      Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. His household 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 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. read more