A germ that causes centuries-old scarlet fever has mutated into a new strain more infectious and toxic for young children.So far one girl has died - the first in 10 years - and two boys have suffered complications.The Department of Health yesterday issued an alert over the high level of cases, calling for vigilance against the disease, which is caused by Group A Streptococcus pyogenes bacterium. Symptoms of the disease include fever, purple tongue and body rashes.
University of Hong Kong assistant professor and medical microbiologist Samson Wong Sai-yin told The Standard: "It is the first time we have seen this kind of mutation in that particular type of Streptococcus."
The "unique gene fragment" from a common bacteria in the mouth was inserted into the genome of the Strep bacterium, with this mix contributing to an increase in transmissibility in this strain, Wong said.
A spokesman for the Centre of Health Protection last night said: "A simultaneous increase in scarlet fever cases is also noted in the mainland and in Macau, suggesting a regional phenomenon at play."
The alert was triggered when a seven-year-old girl at St Stephen's College in Stanley died last month.
Two boys, aged six and 11, also developed complications. The younger boy, in whom the mutant germ was found, is still in intensive care at Queen Mary Hospital after developing septicemia, or blood poisoning. (read more)
No comments:
Post a Comment