Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CHP announces new melioidosis case
The case involves a 62-year-old male with underlying medical conditions. He resided in Sham Shui Po, and developed abdominal discomfort and poor appetite on July 14. He attended Caritas Medical Centre on July 16 and was admitted for treatment on the same day. During his hospitalisation, he developed a fever and was diagnosed with pneumonia. His blood specimen tested positive for Burkholderia pseudomallei. He passed away on July 23 due to pneumonia and underlying medical conditions. He was previously diagnosed with melioidosis in April 2022 and had recovered after hospitalisation. The possibility of a relapsed infection could not be excluded.
The CHP is investigating the infection source of the case. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing.
As of July 24, eight melioidosis cases have been recorded in Hong Kong this year. In 2024, 23 melioidosis cases were recorded.
Person-to-person transmission and animal-to-human transmission are rare, but the bacteria causing melioidosis can survive in the local environment. Melioidosis is an endemic disease in Hong Kong, and melioidosis cases have been recorded in Hong Kong each year.
According to literature, melioidosis cases are more common after typhoons or rainstorms. The bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei in soil and muddy water may become exposed to the ground after typhoons or rainstorms, and the bacteria could spread more easily with strong winds or rainstorms. As such, the number of melioidosis cases may increase.
With this in mind, where practicable, members of the public should stay indoors during typhoons and rainstorms, avoid travelling to areas with potential flooding, and do not wade in or have contact with muddy water and soil. In addition, high-risk individuals should avoid paths near stormwater drains where aerosols may be generated from contaminated water.
Members of the public should also take the following preventive measures against infection:
The CHP appealed to members of the public to seek medical advice if they develop symptoms, in particular people with diabetes or other immunocompromising conditions, in order to receive an appropriate medical diagnosis and treatment. For more information on melioidosis, please visit the website of the CHP at www.chp.gov.hk/en/healthtopics/content/24/101110.htmlIssued at HKT 17:45
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