Advisory Meningococcal Infection
24 April 2005

The Centre for Health Protection of the Hong Kong SAR Government has renewed its advice for the public to guard against Meningococcal Infection. Meningococcal infection is caused by a bacterium known as meningococcus and is transmitted by direct contact, including droplets from the nose and throat of infected persons. The incubation period varies from 2-10 days, commonly 3-4 days.

Severe illness may result when the bacteria invades the bloodstream causing Meningococcaemia or the brain causing Meningitis. Meningococcaemia is characterized by the sudden onset of fever, intense headache, purpura (rashes), shock, and even death, in some case. Meningitis, on the other hand, is characterized by the sudden onset of intense headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and stiff neck. Early cases can be treated with antibiotics.

The public is advised to avoid meningococcal infection by observing the following practices:

1. Wash hands frequently; observe good personal and environmental hygience
2. Avoid crowded places
3. Avoid close contact with patients suffering from fever or severe headache
4. Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, hold spit with tissue, discard tissue into a trash bin with a lid, and wash hands immediately