Hong Kong (HKSAR) - The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a suspected fatal case of scarlet fever involving a 5-year-old boy.
The boy presented with fever from June 15. He was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on June 19 after sudden deterioration in his condition. The boy developed toxic shock syndrome and passed away today (June 21).
According to his parent, the child had consulted a general practitioner for chickenpox earlier.
The patient's clinical diagnosis was scarlet fever and toxic shock syndrome. A laboratory test on his blood specimen revealed gram positive cocci. Further tests are being conducted by the hospital to confirm diagnosis.
The Public Health Laboratory Centre under the CHP will also carry out tests on any positive isolate obtained. Further investigation is ongoing to collect more complete clinical information from the parents and doctors who have seen the child.
The kindergarten that the boy attended, SA Tin Ka Ping Kindergarten in Sha Tin, had no other scarlet fever cases, but an ongoing chickenpox outbreak since May 4 has affected 11 other students aged between 3 and 5. As a precautionary measure, the CHP advised the kindergarten to suspend classes for seven days starting tomorrow (June 22).
"The CHP paid a visit to the kindergarten and advised its staff to conduct thorough cleansing and disinfection in the campus," a spokesman for the CHP said.
Starting from today, the CHP will provide a daily update on the scarlet fever situation online.
"A new radio API on scarlet fever is in the pipeline and is expected to roll out next week to strengthen public education," the spokesman said.
The spokesman stressed that scarlet fever is caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria and can be cured with appropriate antibiotics. The disease usually affects children under 10 years of age and presents as fever, sore throat and rash. He urged people who are suspected to have scarlet fever to consult their doctors.
"Members of the public should maintain vigilance against scarlet fever as the number of reported cases remains at a high level," the spokesman said.
To prevent infection, members of the public are advised to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene; keep hands clean and wash hands properly, especially after they are dirtied by respiratory secretions; cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing; dispose of nasal and mouth discharge properly; and maintain good ventilation.