Woman fights drug-resistant infection

June 20, 2011

The Centre for Health Protection is investigating a confirmed case of invasive community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, in a 73-year-old woman in critical condition. 
 
The woman, who has underlying medical conditions, developed a headache on May 31, was found unconscious on June 6 and admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital, diagnosed with stroke and pneumonia.
 
She tested positive for MRSA, a virulent staph infection that is difficult to treat as it is resistant to many antibiotics.
 
The woman lives with her family in Canada and came to Hong Kong on May 31. Her home contacts have no MRSA symptoms.