Scarlet fever 'regional phenomenon'

June 29, 2011

Secretary for Food & Health Dr York Chow says Hong Kong's rise in scarlet fever cases is part of a regional phenomenon, as the Centre for Health Protection has noted a simultaneous increase on the Mainland and Macau.
 
Dr Chow told lawmakers today Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macau regularly exchange statistics and control measures on infectious diseases, and all three governments have noted more cases of scarlet fever this year.
 
He said the underlying reasons for the upsurge are being examined. The overall epidemiological and clinical characteristics of this outbreak resemble those in the past, although infrequently some cases may have atypical clinical presentation.
 
The fatality rate so far is not significantly higher than historical or international figures.
 
Of the 637 scarlet fever cases reported in Hong Kong this year, only 10 involved travel to the Mainland during the incubation period.
 
Dr Chow urged the general public to remain vigilant against the disease, as high scarlet fever activity is expected to persist during the summer. Publicity on the illness has been enhanced.