12 July 2013
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (July 12) investigating a cluster of two cases of Community-associated Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (CA-MRSA) affecting two boys who lived in the same residential home in Tseung Kwan O.
The first case affected a 14-year-old boy with good past health who presented with right arm and right buttock abscess since May 16. He was admitted to Tseung Kwan O Hospital (TKOH) on May 18. His right arm pus swab yielded CA-MRSA. His condition has been stable and he was discharged on May 20. The boy presented with left buttock abscess again on June 10 and was admitted to TKOH on the same day. His wound swab yielded CA-MRSA. His condition was stable and he was discharged on June 13.
Another case is also a 14-year-old boy with good past health who presented with left elbow abscess since June 2 and was admitted to TKOH on June 5. The culture of his wound swab showed CA-MRSA. He is currently in stable condition and was discharged on June 11.
Staff of the CHP have conducted a site visit to the residential home and advised it to carry out a thorough disinfection. Screening and decolonisation were also provided to the residents and staff.
The investigation is still under way.
MRSA is a type of Staphylococcus aureus that is resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics. It is a common infection worldwide.
In recent years, many countries have observed MRSA infections in healthy individuals who have not been hospitalised or stayed in other health-care facilities or institutions, nor received medical procedures in the year before the onset of symptoms. Their cases are known as CA-MRSA infections and usually have special patterns of antibiotic resistance.
"It is widely recognised that indiscriminate use of antibiotics may contribute to antibiotic resistance," a CHP spokesperson said.
People are advised not to use antibiotics without professional advice. If they are advised by doctors to take antibiotics, they should take the medicine according to the prescribed frequency and dosage. People should observe good personal hygiene including washing hands with liquid soap frequently.
For further information on CA-MRSA, the public may visit the website of the CHP ( www.chp.gov.hk ).