Streptococcus beta | 3 cases were diagnosed a day during the peak of cluster infections in September

There was an outbreak of invasive beta streptococcus in Hong Kong. From September to the 10th of this month alone, 79 cases were accumulated, which was an average of 9 to 26 cases per month higher than usual. The Centre for Health Protection found that from September 8 to 7 of this month after investigation. There was a group outbreak of 32 people every day. At the peak, there were confirmed cases almost every day. In 3 days, 3 more cases were recorded every day. This is rare. 2 of the group patients died and the mortality rate was nearly 10%. 10 people are discharged, that is, 20 patients need to stay in the hospital for a longer time for treatment.

Following media enquiries yesterday, the Center for Health Protection announced a new issue of "Infectious Diseases", analyzing the recent outbreak of invasive streptococcus. Among the 79 cases discovered from September to October 10, 32 were of the same source, The genotype "III ST283" streptococcus B, the remaining 27 cases are not cohort cases, and the gene analysis of 20 cases still has no results.

Staff of the Centre for Health Protection went to the market to take samples of freshwater fish for testing.

(Photo of Centre for Health Protection)

Analyzing the date of onset of the 32-person group, the earliest case was diagnosed on September 8, and new cases were found almost every day until September 27, including the three days on September 14, 19 and 24. There were 3 more cases every day, and 6 more cases were discovered from October 2 to 7.

The patients were 31 to 87 years old and had no infections in children or adolescents. Common symptoms include sepsis (that is, bacterial penetration into the blood), septic arthritis, meningitis, and cellulitis.

The investigation found that half of the patients (16 people) in the group remembered handling fresh fish. Among them, 2 were chefs from different restaurants and 1 was a part-time fishmonger, but the 3 had nothing to do with their work. All the patients referred to the disease. I have not eaten raw or undercooked freshwater fish before, because most patients said that they frequent fish stalls and markets, and the same genetic bacteria were found in samples taken from markets that some patients had visited. Therefore, it is believed that the greater chance of infection is through contact or Dealing with freshwater fish, especially those with wounds on their hands, has not completely ruled out the infection caused by eating. The investigation is still ongoing.

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The center pointed out that a large-scale group outbreak involving 146 people has also occurred in Singapore, and it is common for freshwater fish in fish ponds to carry beta-streptococcus. Studies have found that the rate of infection in Southeast Asia can reach 12.5% ​​to 100%.

The center appeals to the public to take the following protective measures to prevent infection:

-Always maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene

-Keep hands clean and treat wounds properly

-Wear gloves when handling or touching uncooked freshwater fish or seafood, and avoid wound contact with uncooked freshwater fish or seafood

-Avoid eating uncooked freshwater fish or seafood

-Avoid skin contact with sewage when visiting wet markets

Streptococcus beta | The industry teaches how to "pick fish with your eyes". Fish scales fall off and the mouth is injured. Unhealthy Streptococcus beta | Experts urge young people to avoid eating sashimi. Young people are also susceptible to infection: this bacterium does not select Streptococcus beta ｜On the 40th, 79 cases of infection, 10% of the deaths, doctors picking and handling freshwater fish must wear gloves B Streptococcus │ Fish stalls in Yang Uk Road Market are afraid of viruses in neighbourhoods: Wear gloves to cut fish

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