Six dead from rare bacterial infection

Melioidosis, a rare bacterial infection, has claimed the lives of six people.

A total of 29 melioidosis cases have been reported in Hong Kong so far this year - including 20 from those living in Sham Shui Po.

The Centre for Health Protection announced yesterday that it has conducted an epidemiological investigation on the patients living in Sham Shui Po. However, the sample tests came back negative. Most of those who were infected have underlying health issues.

The death rate of melioidosis is between 40 and 75 percent, but the contagion can be treated with antibiotics.

Symptoms of the infection typically become apparent within two to four weeks, but can range from one day to several years.

The center said the 29 melioidosis patients were made up of 21 men and eight women, aged between 42 and 93.

The six who passed away were four men and two women, aged between 54 and 93, five of who were chronically ill.

Among the others, four remained in hospital while 19 patients have been discharged.

Other districts that have reported cases include Kwun Tong, Wong Tai Sin, Sai Kung, Kwai Tsing, Yau Tsim Mong and Eastern District.

Since August, 15 of the patients from Sham Shui Po had consulted Caritas Medical Centre. They described having flu-like symptoms.

The center said melioidosis cases have been recorded in Hong Kong every year, with 17 cases last year, 12 in 2020, three in 2019 and six in 2018.

Melioidosis can affect both humans and animals, including sheep, swine, cats and dogs. The disease thrives in humid environments, including Singapore, Thailand, and northern Australia. Infections are especially common after storms, where wet grounds act as a host.

A center spokesman said people usually contract the bacteria via contact with contaminated soil. It can be transmitted through wounds, inhalation of dust or water droplets, and consumption of contaminated water.

"Person-to-person transmissions are rare, but may occur through contact of infected bodily fluids," he said.

"Depending on the site of infection, common symptoms of melioidosis include fever, headache, localized pain or swelling, ulceration, chest pain, cough, hemoptysis and swelling of regional lymph nodes."

The spokesman said no vaccine is currently available for melioidosis.

He reminded people to avoid contact with contaminated soil. But if such contact is necessary, they should wear appropriate clothing and wash them immediately afterward.

They should also keep skin grazes covered with waterproof dressings, avoid drinking raw water, and avoid outdoor water sports in rivers, ponds or lakes, which have a possibility of being contaminated.

Respiratory specialist Leung Chi-chiu said it is unusual to see 15 cases in less than three months. He suggested authorities inspect Sham Shui Po to see whether the humidity and temperature in certain areas are a breeding ground for the bacteria.

jane.cheung@singtaonewscorp.com