Doctors will have to notify the Centre for Health Protection of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections from January 5, when the bacterium will be included in the list of statutory notifiable infectious diseases.

Given the recent rise in local cases, there is a need to contain the disease before it becomes widespread in the community, the centre says. The mandatory reporting of the infection will help health authorities better understand the epidemiology of the disease in the community, identify abnormal clustering or outbreaks, and implement timely control measures.

The inclusion will bring to 32 the total number of infectious diseases on the list in the First Schedule to the Quarantine & Prevention of Disease Ordinance.

The centre has written to all medical practitioners to inform them of the legislative amendment and reporting criteria. Notification forms are available here. Doctors can also download the form and report by faxing 2477 2770. For enquiries call 2477 2772.