The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) today said it is looking into a suspected Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection cluster involving three doctors at Princess Margaret Hospital’s Oncology Department.

One of the doctors passed away on February 7.

After receiving notification from the hospital yesterday, the CHP, together with representatives from the hospital and Hong Kong University Chair of Infectious Diseases Prof Yuen Kwok-yung, inspected the workplace of the Oncology Department and other facilities of the hospital this morning.

Initial investigations revealed that the three doctors developed symptoms on February 4, 6 and 10, CHP Communicable Disease Branch Head Dr Albert Au said.

“Symptoms included fever, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

“One of them, who had the onset of symptoms on February 4, was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital for treatment on February 6 and passed away the following day. The other two affected individuals had mild symptoms.”

Preliminary test results showed that the stool specimen from one of them tested positive for STEC, while those of the other two, including the deceased patient, tested negative.

“Taking into account the clinical and epidemiological information, the CHP tentatively believed that the cluster may be associated with STEC infection.”

While the CHP’s epidemiological and environmental investigations are ongoing, it will continue to collaborate with the Hospital Authority and the University of Hong Kong’s Department of Microbiology to trace the potential source of infection.

Meanwhile, Princess Margaret Hospital has strengthened the monitoring of the gastrointestinal symptoms among its staff and requested that any staff with relevant symptoms report immediately for laboratory tests. It has also arranged a comprehensive disinfection of the oncology office area.

Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau expressed profound sadness over the passing of the oncologist.

Prof Lo said: “I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the doctor’s family on behalf of the Health Bureau, and the Hospital Authority will make every effort to assist them.”

The young doctor had been working for the Hospital Authority since graduation from medical school to serve Hong Kong citizens.

Prof Lo pointed out that the doctor, having just obtained a specialist qualification in oncology, was still taking care of patients in the ward right before the onset of symptoms.

“I am deeply moved by the doctor’s professionalism, passion for work and care for patients. The doctor is genuinely a role model for colleagues of the healthcare profession.”

In general, STEC infections are usually associated with the consumption of contaminated food or water, such as raw or undercooked meat products, contaminated fruits and vegetables, and unpasteurised dairy products. Direct person-to-person transmission through the faecal-oral route can also occur.