Replies to LegCo questions
LCQ1: Myiasis
Following is a question by the Hon Lau Wong-fat and a reply by the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr York Chow, in the Legislative Council today (December 6):
Question:
It has been reported that there have been 11 cases of human myiasis since
January this year, representing a significant increase over last year's mere six
cases, and most of those infected were elderly persons incapable of self-care.
In this connection, will the Government inform this Council whether it has
examined the causes for the rising number of human myiasis cases in recent
months, and of the measures to address the situation?
Reply:
Madam President,
Myiasis is the invasion of living tissue or organs by maggots of certain species
of flies. It usually attacks domestic animals and human cases are not very
common. Feeding activity of the maggots may cause serious tissue damage,
resulting in loss of function, injury to the skin, and secondary infection.
Myiasis could infect anybody, but frail or elderly people who cannot look after
themselves tend to have a relatively high chance of infection.
From 2003 and 2006 (as of December 5), there were 9, 8, 6 and 14 cases of
myiasis respectively reported to the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the
Department of Health (DH). In recent years, the CHP has increased education and
enhanced awareness of the condition among medical and nursing professionals.
This may contribute to the increase in the number of reported cases of myiasis
this year.
Upon receiving a report of myiasis, the CHP will conduct an epidemiological
investigation on the case. The patient and his carer will be interviewed for
information. A site visit to the place where the patient lives will also be
conducted to examine personal and environmental hygiene factors. Detailed health
advice will be provided to improve wound care and oral hygiene to reduce the
risk of infection. Besides, the CHP will also notify the Food and Environmental
Hygiene Department (FEHD) and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation
Department to take appropriate follow up action on the case. Furthermore, staff
of elderly homes will be given instructions to watch out for residents
developing symptoms of the disease, and seek medical consultation for those
residents promptly. FEHD will conduct fly survey in the vicinity of the premises
where the patient has stayed. Fly control will be carried out in response to the
findings of the survey and advice on fly control and prevention will be given to
the parties concerned.
The CHP will also inform the public of the investigated cases of myiasis through
press releases, with a view to enhancing public awareness and knowledge about
the condition and its prevention. The DH also distributes relevant health
education materials including Guidelines on Prevention of Communicable Diseases
in Residential Care Homes for the Elderly.
To prevent myiasis infestation, we advise members of the public, especially
staff of elderly homes, to observe the following measures:
* All wounds should be treated immediately and cleansed and dressed properly.
* Observe good personal hygiene. Bath daily and keep skin clean. Maintain good
oral hygiene.
* Ensure good environmental hygiene. Prevent fly infestation by proofing
measures, including installation of fly screening materials at human dwelling
places, dressing of wounds and maintaining good ventilation.
* Avoid keeping pets inside elderly homes.
As regards Residential Care Homes of the Elderly (RCHEs), myiasis preventive
measures include strengthening cleanliness and sanitary work, implementing fly
control measures as well as providing training to enhance staff's knowledge
towards prevention of myiasis infestation. The Social Welfare Department,
together with relevant departments and organisations including DH, the Hospital
Authority and FEHD have been providing training for staff of RCHEs to enhance
their professional knowledge and skills on infection control and care for the
elderly and improving environmental hygiene and facilities of RCHEs. Besides,
the Visiting Health Teams (VHTs) of DH's Elderly Health Service also provide
health education on myiasis to staff of elderly homes, with particular emphasis
on personal care. The VHTs will enhance training of elderly home staff on oral
hygiene and wound management, when necessary, taking into consideration the
special needs of the relevant RCHEs. Apart from regular health education, when a
case of myiasis occurs in an elderly home, CHP will alert VHT, which will take
the necessary follow up actions.
To control and prevent fly infestation, FEHD has put in place regular programmes
on inspection of fly trouble spots including refuse collection sites, rear lanes
and carcass collection points. Fly control measures will be implemented whenever
necessary. The department also provides fly control guidelines to the public.
Ends/Wednesday, December 6, 2006
Issued at HKT 11:33
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