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Hong Kong health authority issues warning on scarlet fever

Xinhua,December 11, 2017 Adjust font size:

HONG KONG, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Health authority of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) issued a warning on Monday about a sharp increase in scarlet fever cases.

The Center for Health Protection said it has issued a warning to parents and schools about a sharp increase in the cases of scarlet fever, a bacterial infection which mainly affects children.

Latest data shows the number of scarlet fever cases rose to 94 last week, almost double the number from the week before. The number of cases reported so far this year is also 50 percent more from a year ago.

Although the center said most of those infected suffered mild illness, Hong Kong Medical Association Vice President Alvin Chan said he was worried that the number of patients with more serious complications would increase.

He was quoted by local radio RTHK as saying that schools should adopt more stringent hygiene and antiseptic controls in light of the situation. Enditem