Hong Kong health officials report investigating a case of invasive meningococcal infection.

The patient is a 3-year-old boy with good past health. He presented with a fever and vomiting on March 17. He was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital the following day (March 18) and admitted for treatment. He is currently in a serious condition. His blood and cerebrospinal fluid specimens tested positive for meningococcus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis is meningitis.

An initial investigation revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. His household contacts have remained asymptomatic so far. The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) has prescribed preventive drugs to them, and the investigation is ongoing. Initial findings suggest that this is a sporadic case.

There is no evidence suggesting an epidemiological linkage between this case and previously confirmed cases in Hong Kong or the recent outbreak in the UK.

In response to the recent outbreak of invasive meningococcal infection in Kent, the United Kingdom (UK), the CHP has stepped up health screenings at the airport on related inbound travellers exhibiting suspected symptoms, with a view to promptly refer suspected cases to hospitals for examination. So far this year, Hong Kong has not recorded any cases of invasive meningococcal infection among people arriving from the UK.

Meningococcal infection is caused by a bacterium known as meningococcus. It is mainly transmitted by direct contact with respiratory secretions, including droplets from the nose and throat, of infected persons. Severe illness may result when the bacteria invade the bloodstream (meningococcemia) or the membranes that envelop the brain and spinal cord (meningococcal meningitis). Meningococcemia is characterised by a sudden onset of fever, an intense headache, purpura, shock and even death in severe cases. Meningococcal meningitis is characterised by high fever, severe headache, stiff neck followed by drowsiness, vomiting, fear of bright light, or rash; it can cause brain damage or even death.