Pig-borne disease infects woman, 1st case in H.K. this year
HONG KONG - The woman developed a fever and pain in the shoulders and feet last Wednesday and was hospitalized two days later. She is in stable condition, the center said.The woman has not recently traveled outside the territory.
Her family members have no symptoms but have been put under medical surveillance. The source of the infection is being investigated.
It is the first reported case of Streptococcus suis infection in Hong Kong this year. A total of 13 cases were reported in 2005 in Hong Kong and two people died.
The bacteria are commonly found in pigs. Most people who have been infected had handled infected pigs or uncooked pig products. The disease can be treated with antibiotics if detected early, the center said. The incubation period is said to range from a few hours to up to three days.
Classically, an infection in humans produces fever and signs of meningitis, namely headache, vomiting, neck stiffness, intolerance to light and a decreased level of consciousness, and occasional hearing loss.
Source: tmcnet.com
18 January 2006
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