A CHP spokesman explained that scarlet fever is caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria. It can be cured by appropriate antibiotics. This disease usually affects children between two to eight years of age. It presents as fever, sore throat and rash. The rash appears over trunk, neck and spreads to the limbs especially on axilla, elbow and groin.
(Media-Newswire.com) - The Centre for Health Protection ( CHP ) of the Department of Health today ( June 13 ) is investigating a severe case of scarlet fever involving a six-year-old boy.
The boy presented with sore throat and generalised skin rash since June 1 and fever since June 7. He was admitted to Queen Mary Hospital ( QMH ) on June 11. The boy developed septicemia and was transferred to Paediatric Intensive Care Unit on the next day. He is now in stable condition.
Laboratory test on the patient's blood specimen yielded positive result for Streptococcus pyogenes ( Group A ).
CHP's investigation revealed that the boy did not have recent travel history. His home and school contacts were asymptomatic. Investigation continues.
A CHP spokesman explained that scarlet fever is caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria. It can be cured by appropriate antibiotics. This disease usually affects children between two to eight years of age. It presents as fever, sore throat and rash. The rash appears over trunk, neck and spreads to the limbs especially on axilla, elbow and groin.
"Typically scarlet fever rash does not involve the face. It is transmitted through either respiratory route or direct contact with infected respiratory secretions," he said.
People who are suspected to have scarlet fever should consult their doctors.
To prevent infection, members of the public are advised to
* maintain good personal and environmental hygiene; * keep hands clean and wash hands properly; * wash hands when they are dirtied by respiratory secretions, e.g. after sneezing; * cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and mouth discharge properly; * maintain good ventilation.
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