Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CHP investigates case of invasive meningococcal infection
The case involved a 34-year-old male with good past health, who presented with fever, a headache and a petechial rash on April 8. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Yan Chai Hospital on April 10 and was admitted for treatment on the same day. His blood sample tested positive for Neisseria meningitidis upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was meningococcaemia. The patient is now in a stable condition.
An initial investigation revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. His home contacts have remained asymptomatic so far. The CHP’s investigation is ongoing.
Meningococcal infection is caused by a bacterium known as meningococcus. It is mainly transmitted by direct contact with respiratory secretions, including droplets from the nose and throat, of infected persons. The incubation period varies from two to 10 days and is usually three or four days. 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, an intense headache, purpura, shock and even death in severe cases.
To prevent meningococcal infection, members of the public are advised to take the following measures:
The public may visit the CHP’s websiteIssued at HKT 16:30
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