Author Archives: hksar gov

     ​The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (October 18) investigating a fatal case of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), and reminded the public to observe hygiene practices against the disease.

     The patient was a nine-year-old boy with good past health, who had developed fever, runny nose, cough, and chest pain associated with the coughing since October 10. He was brought to private clinics on October 10 and 13. On October 14, he was brought to the Accident and Emergency Department at Tin Shui Wai Hospital due to persistent symptoms and shortness of breath. He was transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at Tuen Mun Hospital for further management. His condition deteriorated and he passed away on October 15.

     His pleural fluid specimen tested positive for Streptococcus pneumoniae upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was severe pneumonia complicated with empyema, septic shock and acute renal failure. The CHP will arrange further testing and serotype analysis of patient’s bacterial samples.

     Initial enquiries revealed that the boy had no travel history during the incubation period. His home contacts have remained asymptomatic so far. Investigations are ongoing. The case will be referred to the Coroner for investigation.

    Pneumococcal infection is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). It causes a wide range of diseases. More common ones include middle ear infection and chest infection. It may also cause various forms of IPDs, such as infection of the brain membranes and blood stream. The infection can be serious or even life-threatening. Local data showed that about three per cent of the cases of paediatric IPD recorded over the past decade have been fatal.

     Pneumococci are commonly found in the nose and throat of healthy people, particularly in children. Occasionally, these bacteria will cause an infection. They mainly spread through droplets via coughing and sneezing, close contact with the patients or contact with materials soiled with the bacteria.

     Scientific research data from around the world indicated that the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) can provide direct protection effectively, and achieve herd immunity by reducing transmission. Receiving PCV can reduce the risk of IPD among children by 60 per cent to 90 per cent, demonstrating the effectiveness of the vaccine. In light of this, the DH has incorporated PCV into the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme (HKCIP) since September 2009, providing free vaccinations for children. Local research data showed a significant decrease in the number of cases of IPD after the HKCIP was launched. The incidence of children aged two years or below, and children aged two to five years dropped by 85 per cent and 35 per cent respectively. Parents should ensure that their children receive PCV according to the schedule of the HKCIP. Elderly and high-risk individuals should also receive pneumococcal vaccine to safeguard their health.

     The health condition of children with IPD can deteriorate rapidly. Parents should bring their children to seek medical attention as soon as possible if they develop a fever or respiratory symptoms. If the condition persists or deteriorates with symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, blue lips, convulsions, drowsiness, stiff neck, refusal to eat, persistent vomiting or decreased urination, they should attend an accident and emergency department for treatment immediately.

     To prevent pneumococcal infection, the CHP appealed to the public for pneumococcal vaccination and hygiene practices. The public may visit the CHP’s invasive pneumococcal disease page for more information. read more

     Police today (October 18) appealed to the public for information on a man who went missing in Sheung Shui.      Ho Ting-hin, aged 33, went missing after he was last seen at Luen Hing Street on October 2 morning. Hi… read more

     Hong Kong Customs detected two drug trafficking cases involving passengers at Hong Kong International Airport for two consecutive days (October 17 and 18) and seized about 5.4 kilograms of suspected cocaine, 17kg of suspected cannabis buds and 15 suspected Alprazolam tablets, with a total estimated market value of about $6.8 million. 
      
     In the first case, a 40-year-old Mainland male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from São Paulo, Brazil, via Istanbul, Turkey, yesterday (October 17). During customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $3.3 million inside his carry-on baggage. He was subsequently arrested.
      
     In the second case, a 52-year-old Mainland female passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, today (October 18). During customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $3.5 million in her check-in suitcase, and 15 suspected Alprazolam tablets in her carry-on backpack. The woman was subsequently arrested.
      
     Investigation of the two cases is ongoing.
      
     Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.
      
     Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
      
     Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
      
     Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

    

     With Halloween approaching, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (October 18) reminded members of the public who plan to bring their dogs along when dining out to confirm in advance whether the restaurant concerned is permitted to admit dogs and to comply with the relevant law and regulations. At present, over 990 restaurants hold permits allowing dogs to enter. Persons-in-charge of these restaurants must ensure that their premises comply with the relevant licensing conditions and statutory requirements, step up staff supervision and remind customers bringing dogs of the relevant requirements, so as to safeguard public safety and hygiene.
      
     A spokesman for the FEHD stressed that both restaurant operators and dog owners have the responsibility to comply with the relevant regulations. Restaurants without permission must observe the law and must not allow customers to bring dogs onto their premises. Members of the public who bring dogs into non-permitted restaurants also commit an offence. The department will continue to conduct risk-based inspections and take enforcement action against any irregularities.
      
     The spokesman added that, since the measure of allowing dogs to enter permitted restaurants was implemented on July 9, the FEHD has assisted the trade and members of the public in complying with the relevant requirements through ongoing inspections, publicity and education. Following the initial one-month adaptation period, the department has adopted a pragmatic and flexible enforcement strategy, conducting risk-based inspections to strike an appropriate balance between promoting pet inclusivity and safeguarding food safety and public hygiene.
      
     Regarding restaurants which unlawfully allow dogs to enter, the FEHD has, to date, initiated 20 prosecutions against offending restaurants and seven prosecutions against persons who unlawfully brought dogs into such restaurants. In addition, the FEHD has taken stringent enforcement action against serious breaches committed by customers bringing dogs to permitted restaurants, including four prosecutions for failing to keep dogs securely on a leash.
      
     The spokesman reiterated that permitted restaurants must strictly comply with the law and licensing conditions. These include prohibiting open-flame cooking at dining tables; refusing entry of fighting dogs or known dangerous dogs; and forbidding dogs access to food rooms. At all times while in a restaurant, a dog must be securely held by an adult on a leash not exceeding 1.5 metres in length, or securely tethered to a fixture. Dog owners must also ensure that their dogs are properly controlled at all times. The FEHD will take decisive enforcement action against any violations.
      
     The FEHD again appealed to restaurants and customers to comply with the law and the relevant requirements, fulfil their respective responsibilities and help maintain a pleasant dining environment and public hygiene, thereby promoting pet inclusivity. Members of the public may visit the FEHD’s dedicated webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/licensing/dog_restaurants/dog_restaurants_list.html) for relevant information and the full list of permitted restaurants.

    

The following is issued on behalf of the Liquor Licensing Board:
 
     The Liquor Licensing Board will meet on Tuesday (October 20) to consider an application for transfer, amendment (change of shop sign) and renewal of liquor licence.
 
     The applications is:
 
Hong Kong:
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Delicious Home in North Point
 
     The meeting will be held at 9.45am in the conference room, Room 102, 1/F, 258 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai. Members of the public are welcome to attend. read more