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The Centre for Health Protection and the Hospital Authority are examining two suspected cases of Staphylococcus aureus - a drug-resistant bacteria.
The two patients have superficial abscesses on their lower limbs. They were admitted to Queen Mary Hospital on June 14 and 17 and are in stable condition.
The centre said their home contacts have no symptoms. A special study is being conducted in family contacts of the two patients to test to see if they are carrying methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Neither patient has a definite history of hospitalisation in the past year.
MRSA is a type of Staphylococcus aureus that is resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics. It is a common infection worldwide and is usually found in hospitals. However, it can also be found in the community in patients who had previously been hospitalised.
Concerted efforts needed
Many countries have observed community-associated MRSA in patients who have not been hospitalised and this was also reported in Hong Kong last year. Surveillance has been conducted, resulting in detection of the two cases.
The centre said it is widely recognised indiscriminate use of antibiotics may contribute to resistance. Concerted efforts by the medical profession, the pharmaceutical industry and the public are essential for containing the problem.
The Department of Health has implemented an Antibiotic Resistance Surveillance Programme since July 1990 to monitor the trends of antibiotic resistance in bacteria that are commonly found in Hong Kong.
Proper use of antibiotics key
To better understand the status of MRSA in Hong Kong, the centre and the authority will review and refine protocols for surveillance and management for community-associated MRSA.
The centre advised the public not to use antibiotics indiscriminately. If they are advised by doctors to take antibiotics, they should take the medicine according to the prescribed frequency and dosage and complete the whole course.
The risk of transmission can be minimised by maintaining good personal hygiene, including washing hands with soap frequently and wearing gloves in touching grossly soiled items.
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