2005-01-31
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is concerned about the report of outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis in Anhui and Jiangsu Provinces.
A CHP spokesman said today (January 31) that the CHP had contacted the Ministry of Health People’s Republic of China to seek confirmation of the report.
Staff of the DH’s Port Health Office is contacting the travel industry with a view to informing them about the latest situation and giving them relevant health advice.
The most common presentation of meningococcal infection is meningitis. The disease is characterized by sudden onset of fever, intense headache, nausea and vomiting, stiff neck – and shock and even death in severe cases. It is transmitted by direct contact, including droplets from the nose and throat of infected patients. The same bacterium could also cause meningococcaemia when it enters the bloodstream.
Early cases can be treated effectively with antibiotics. The incubation period varies from two to 10 days, commonly three to four days.
In Hong Kong, between three and fourteen cases of meningococcal infection were reported each year from 2000 to 2003. There were four sporadic cases in 2004 and one local case so far this year.
In temperate regions, the number of cases of meningococcal meningitis increases in winter and spring. The spokesman reminded concerned travellers to observe good personal hygiene.
“Measures for travellers to prevent diseases transmitted by respiratory droplets include keeping hands clean and washing hands properly especially when they are dirtied by respiratory secretions; covering nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and disposal of nasal and mouth discharge properly,” the spokesman said.
Travellers may also contact their family doctors or visit the DH’s Travel Health Service website at http://www.info.gov.hk/trhealth/e_HKTHS.htm for more information.
Returning travellers should seek medical advice if they become ill. They should discuss their recent travel history with their doctors.
End/Monday, January 31, 2005