HK reports 2 new melioidosis cases
發佈日期: 2025-10-03 23:20
TVB News
The Centre for Health Protection announced that two new melioidosis cases were recorded in the past week from September 26 to October 2. Both patients had underlying illnesses.
The first case involves a 76-year-old male who resided in Sham Shui Po. On September 26, he presented with a fever and shortness of breath. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Caritas Medical Centre on the same day and was admitted for treatment. The clinical diagnosis was sepsis. He passed away on September 28 due to sepsis and underlying medical conditions.
The second case involves a 68-year-old male who lives in Sham Shui Po. He presented with malaise since September 18. On September 23, he attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Caritas Medical Centre as he developed a fever and was admitted for treatment on the same day. The clinical diagnosis was sepsis. He is in stable condition.
The clinical samples of the two cases were confirmed to be positive for Burkholderia pseudomallei upon testing. The CHP is investigating the infection source of the cases. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing.
As of October 2, 13 melioidosis cases have been recorded in Hong Kong this year. In 2024, 23 melioidosis cases were recorded.
Person-to-person transmission and animal-to-human transmission are rare, but the bacteria causing melioidosis can survive in the local environment. Melioidosis is an endemic disease in Hong Kong, and melioidosis cases have been recorded in Hong Kong each year.
According to literature, melioidosis cases are more common after typhoons or rainstorms. The bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei in soil and muddy water may become exposed to the ground after typhoons or rainstorms, and the bacteria could spread more easily with strong winds or rainstorms. As such, the number of melioidosis cases may increase.
With this in mind, where practicable, members of the public should stay indoors during typhoons and rainstorms, avoid travelling to areas with potential flooding, and do not wade in or have contact with muddy water and soil. In addition, high-risk individuals should avoid paths near stormwater drains where aerosols may be generated from contaminated water.
