The Centre for Health Protection has confirmed a local case of meningococcal infection involving a nine-month-old baby girl, bringing the year's total to five, all imported.

The Tai Po girl developed a fever and runny nose on November 13. She was admitted to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nerthersole Hospital on November 14 and is now stable. She has no recent travel history. Her nine home contacts have no symptoms and are under medical surveillance.

There were six meningococcal infection cases in 2002, three in 2003, four in 2004 and four in 2005.

People should stay alert to the threat of meningococcal infection and take precautionary measures against the disease. It is transmitted by direct contact, such as through droplets from the nose and throat of infected people. The incubation period varies from two to 10 days, and is commonly three to four days.

More details about the disease can be found here or visit the Travel Health Service website for information on the situation in other places.