The Department of Health (DH) today (September 23) announced an update on its investigations into the cluster of Burkholderia cepacia complex infection.
As at 4pm today, the DH's Centre for Health Protection has recorded a total of 184 patients known to be affected, comprising of 85 males and 99 females aged 24 to 100. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing.
In addition, according to the latest notification by the Hospital Authority, apart from the aqueous chlorhexidine products named Pro-Medi Prosept, Kam's KS-MED and CANCARE AntiSept Solution announced earlier, two products named Smart Medi Chlorhexidine Antiseptic Solution and Dr. MAX'S Chlorhexidine Antiseptic Solution were also tested positive for Burkholderia cepacia complex. Another product, namely 0.05% Chlorhexidine Gluconate Antiseptic Sanitize (KS Medical) (see photo) was tested positive for Achromobacter. These products contain 0.05 per cent chlorhexidine, which are not classified as pharmaceutical products under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap 138).
Smart Medi Chlorhexidine Antiseptic Solution and Dr. MAX'S Chlorhexidine Antiseptic Solution are distributed by Sources (U.S.A.) Medicines Ltd (Sources). Meanwhile, 0.05% Chlorhexidine Gluconate Antiseptic Sanitize (KS Medical) is distributed by Kam Sing Medicine Co. (Kam Sing). Sources and Kam Sing have also set up hotlines to answer related enquiries during office hours (please refer to the table below).
Currently, the following six antiseptic products are being recalled:
| Distributor | Product name | Hotline |
| Sources (U.S.A.) Medicines Ltd | Pro-Medi Prosept solution | 2411 3463 2411 3182 |
| Smart Medi Chlorhexidine Antiseptic Solution | ||
| Dr. MAX'S Chlorhexidine Antiseptic Solution | ||
| Kam Sing Medicine Co. | Kam's KS-MED solution | 2392 7537 |
| 0.05% Chlorhexidine Gluconate Antiseptic Sanitize (KS Medical) | ||
| C & L Pharmaceutical Ltd | CANCARE AntiSept Solution | 2475 9168 |
Currently, products containing a low concentration of chlorhexidine not labelled for use on broken skin or wound care are not classified as pharmaceutical products under the Ordinance. Members of the public should not use these products for wound care or on broken skin. The Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong will make reference to overseas regulatory practice of such antiseptic products and consider whether such consumer goods should be regulated as pharmaceutical products. The DH has also strengthened market surveillance and collected products containing a low concentration of chlorhexidine from different brands for micro-organism tests in batches. The tests will take about a few weeks and results will be announced as soon as possible.
The DH's investigations are still on-going.
"Members of the public, especially those who have a weakened immune system should pay extra attention to personal hygiene. Registered pharmaceutical products should be used and instructions given by healthcare professionals should be followed if they need to carry out wound care on their own. The public should seek medical advice if in doubt," a spokesman for the DH said.
"Normal saline (solution of 0.9 per cent sodium chloride) is a commonly used cleansing fluid. As it is similar to human body fluid, it does not irritate wound tissues and causes less pain when applied. Antiseptics may irritate the wound or cause an allergic reaction. Generally, a non-infected wound could be cleansed with normal saline and antiseptics are not required, while an infected wound must be managed according to a doctor's instructions," the spokesman added. For more information on wound care, please visit www.elderly.gov.hk/english/healthy_ageing/home_safety/wound_care.html.
"Achromobacter, similar to Burkholderia cepacia, is a bacteria which is commonly found in the environment. It is generally not pathogenic to healthy person, but can cause infections in persons who have weakened immune system. So far, the CHP has not recorded relevant infection cases," the spokesman explained.
Members of the public can refer to the appendix for information on registered antiseptic pharmaceutical products containing chlorhexidine as well as sterile saline solution for irrigation. All registered pharmaceutical products should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the package in the format of "HK-XXXXX". People should seek advice from healthcare professionals before using pharmaceutical products.
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