Hong Kong (HKSAR) - The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (June 15) investigating a cluster of scarlet fever cases at a primary school in Tuen Mun involving three pupils.
The three affected pupils are two boys and one girl aged 6 to 7. They presented with fever, sandpaper rash, sore throat and strawberry tongue since June 3. All sought medical attention.
Two were hospitalised and have been discharged. All are now in stable condition.
Throat swab specimens collected from two of the pupils yielded positive results for Streptococcus pyogenes.
The CHP's investigation revealed that the pupils did not have recent travel history. Their home contacts are asymptomatic.
Investigation continues.
A CHP spokesman explained that scarlet fever is caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria and can be cured by appropriate antibiotics. This disease usually affects children between 2 and 8 years of age and presents as fever, sore throat and rash. The rash appears over the trunk and neck and spreads to the limbs, especially the armpits, elbows and groin.
The illness is usually clinically mild but can be complicated by shock, heart and kidney diseases.
"Scarlet fever is transmitted through either the respiratory route or direct contact with infected respiratory secretions," he said.
People who are suspected to have scarlet fever should consult their doctors.
To prevent infection, members of the public are advised to:
* maintain good personal and environmental hygiene;
* keep hands clean and wash hands properly;
* wash hands when they are dirtied by respiratory secretions, e.g. after sneezing;
* cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and mouth discharge properly; and
* maintain good ventilation.