Hong Kong reports local meningococcal case in 3-year-old boy

Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection (CHP) is investigating a local case of invasive meningococcal infection in a three-year-old boy and is monitoring a recent outbreak in the United Kingdom.

The CHP said the child, who had no recent travel history, developed a fever and vomiting on March 17 and was admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital on March 18. He is in serious condition.

Laboratory tests on his blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples were positive for meningococcus, and he was clinically diagnosed with meningitis.

Initial investigations found no travel history during the incubation period. Household contacts remain asymptomatic and have been given preventive medication. The CHP said the case appears sporadic, with no epidemiological links to previous local cases or the UK outbreak.

Separately, authorities have stepped up health screening at the airport for inbound travelers from the UK who exhibit symptoms. No imported cases linked to the UK have been recorded so far this year.

Meningococcal infection is a statutory notifiable disease in Hong Kong. Four cases have been recorded so far this year, compared with 11 cases last year.