June 20, 2011

Centre for Health Protection Controller Dr Thomas Tsang urges the public to guard against scarlet fever, forecasting more infections during the summer.
 
He said 419 cases have been recorded so far this year, well above the historic baseline. He said the high activity is a regional phenomenon, with many cases recorded on the Mainland and in Macau.
 
The bacterial infection is caused by Group A streptococcus. Dr Tsang said the serotype M12 of the bacteria is dominant in this year’s cases.
 
“Over 90% of cases this year affected children aged under 10, with the majority in the age group of four to seven years.”
 
A new gene fragment has been found in one of the isolates that gives the bacteria an increased ability to spread among humans.
 
“It may explain why there are higher number of cases this year,” Dr Tsang said, adding the centre will analyse test results and notify doctors, and Mainland and Macau authorities, of the findings.
 
He urged people to watch their personal hygiene. Parents of children with fever and sore throat should seek medical advice immediately.