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Friday, January 20, 2012

Hong Kong : Two cases of scarlet fever complicated with toxic shock syndrome under investigation

Another press release from Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection :

" The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating two cases of scarlet fever complicated with toxic shock syndrome.

The first one is a fatal case involving a 14-year-old girl with good past health. She presented with on and off low-grade fever since January 6, associated with cough, runny nose and malaise.

The girl sought medical consultation from three different private clinics for five times from January 6 to 17. Her condition did not improve and she developed rapid breathing since January 17 and attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital early next morning. She was admitted to Paediatric Intensive Care Unit with septic shock, pneumonia and pleural effusion. Her condition deteriorated and she passed away later in the same day.

Her pleural aspirate specimen tested positive for streptococcus pyogenes (Group A).

The girl lived with her parents and a younger brother in Eastern District. Her mother and younger brother had recent upper respiratory infection symptoms. Swabs will be taken from them for further tests.

The girl used to study at a secondary school in Happy Valley and last attended school on January 16. There has been no report of outbreak of respiratory illness in the school.

As a precautionary measure, the school is advised to suspend class tomorrow for thorough cleansing and disinfection. She did not travel outside Hong Kong before onset of symptoms. But she travelled to Macau from January 7 - 8.

The second case involves an 11-year-old boy with good past health. He presented with cough and runny nose since January 8 and developed fever since January 13.

He was admitted to a private hospital on January 15. Group A streptococcus was isolated from his blood specimen.

He was transferred to Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital on January 17. On the same day, he also developed generalised sandpaper-like skin rash. He is now in stable condition.

He is studying in a primary school in Wan Chai District. He last attended school on January 13. The school will start holiday tomorrow and as a precautionary measure, the school is advised to carry out thorough cleansing and disinfection.

The CHP's investigation revealed that the patient has no recent travel history. His home contacts are asymptomatic."

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