Infection case linked to acupuncture an isolated case, says TCM expert

The Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong on Wednesday reassured the public that an infection case linked to acupuncture was an isolated case.

The remarks came after a 47-year-old man underwent amputation surgery earlier this month due to a Group A Streptococcal infection. He was said to have sought acupuncture for a sprain at two traditional Chinese medicine clinics prior to the infection.

The Centre for Health Protection reported on Tuesday (Apr 29) that the man is currently hospitalized and in a stable condition following the surgery on April 13.

According to the department, an environmental specimen from the Causeway Bay clinic tested positive for Group A Streptococcus, matching the same emm type 4 as the patient's specimen. A further genetic analysis is still in progress.

During the investigation, the authorities suspected that the Chinese medicine practitioner had not strictly followed infection control procedures when performing acupuncture. The authorities noted the case will be referred to the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong for follow-up action if any professional misconduct is found.

While the department attempted to investigate another involved clinic in Sheung Wan, the clinic closed during multiple visits. The authorities noted there were no reports of adverse reactions from the clinic’s acupuncture treatment, adding that the investigation is ongoing.

Speaking on a radio program this morning, Chan Wing-kwong, lawmaker and chairman of the Hong Kong Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioner Association, believed the case of infection leading to amputation is an isolated incident, being the first of its kind in the city and one of fewer than 20 similar cases globally. He advised the public that there is no reason for anxiety or to discontinue treatment.

Chan stressed there are infection control procedures during the acupuncture treatment, which include cleaning the patient’s skin with alcohol, maintaining hand hygiene, and using single-use and sterilized acupuncture needles.

However, Chan noted that although not every practitioner will wear gloves, they typically wear them for cases involving blood or body fluids.