2004-10-04
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 4) confirmed a leptospirosis case involving a participant of the hiking activity "Team Challenge 36" held in August.
A CHP spokesman said the affected was a 30-year-old man who had recovered without hospitalization.
CHP's investigations revealed that the case was epidemiologically linked to three other leptospirosis cases involving hikers of the same activity.
The affected man developed fever, headache and muscle pain on September 8 and sought medical treatment from Tuen Mun Hospital on September 12.
He had visited some stream areas and participated in rafting during the activity. He had multiple abrasions, not properly covered, over both legs during the hiking.
His family members and team members do not have symptoms of the disease.
CHP had tried to contact about 400 other participants of the activity to screen for symptoms, provide health advice and make referrals as necessary. At present, none of the 373 persons followed up so far have symptoms of the disease.
The spokesman said leptospirosis was a zoonotic disease caused by the bacteria leptospira. Leptospira organisms can be found in some animals including rodents, cattle, pigs, horses, and dogs.
Most human infections occur through contact with urine excreted by infected mammals primarily through skin abrasions, open wounds or mucous membranes, and occasionally through ingestion or inhalation. Leptospirosis is normally not transmitted from person to person and the incubation period is usually between 4 and 19 days.
"Patients with leptospirosis commonly present with a flu-like illness with high fever, headache, muscle pains, red eye, sore throat and rash. In some cases, the disease can cause anaemia and affect the liver, kidneys, lungs, and other internal organs. The disease can be treated effectively with antibiotics," the spokesman said.
"The risk of leptospirosis infection can be minimised by covering open wounds properly and avoiding contact with urine of live mammals and objects contaminated by them as well as polluted water."
"Overseas outbreaks of leptospirosis are usually related to occupational or recreational water exposures, such as water contaminated with urine of infected animals," the spokesman said.
The incidence of leptospirosis is low in Hong Kong. There was one local case in 2001, two local cases in 2002 and one imported case in 2003. So far this year, there are one imported and five local cases.
The participants can call CHP's special hotline 2575 1221 for health advice during office hours.
Ends/Monday, October 4, 2004