CHP investigates case of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 29) investigating a case of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection, and hence reminded the public to maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene against intestinal infections.
The case involves a 2-year-old boy with good past health, who presented with a fever and vomiting on August 16. He attended Union Hospital on August 17 and was admitted on the same day. He has been in stable condition and was discharged on August 19.
His stool specimen grew STEC upon laboratory testing.
Initial enquiries of the CHP revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. Information from the patient's family members revealed that he did not consume any high-risk food (such as raw meat and unpasteurised dairy products) during the incubation period. The investigations of the CHP are ongoing.
"Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacterium that is commonly found in the gut of humans and warm-blooded animals. Most strains of E. coli are harmless. Some strains, however, such as STEC, can produce powerful toxins and cause severe food-borne disease. The most recognised serogroup of STEC is E. coli O157:H7," a spokesman for the CHP explained.
Preventive measures for STEC infection are similar to those recommended for other food-borne diseases. The public are advised to observe good personal and food hygiene:
The public may visit the CHP's STEC page for more information.
Source: AI-generated images
Deputy Commissioner of Police (National Security) inspects passing-out parade at HK Police College
The Deputy Commissioner of Police (National Security), Mr Kan Kai-yan, inspected the passing-out parade for 29 probationary inspectors and 164 recruit police constables at the Hong Kong Police College today (September 14) and witnessed the moment they became new members of the Force.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Mr Kan Kai-yan thanked the family and friends who attended the ceremony for their support and trust in the graduates, enabling them to be a powerful force resolutely safeguarding their “home” - Hong Kong. He was proud to see the graduates formally shoulder the mission of “safeguarding their family and country and upholding the rule of law”.
He encouraged the graduates that no matter what new challenges and difficulties they face in the future, they should not forget their original intention of joining the Force in fighting against evils and be a good policeman. He also used a popular movie quote – remember one word called “heart”, to encourage the graduates to do everything well with their hearts.
Mr Kan said that whether it is dealing with a request from citizens, solving problems in relation to people's livelihood and community security, or safeguarding national security, everyone of them should do their utmost with their “hearts”, and the public would feel the enthusiasm and professionalism that a good policeman should have.
He continued that with the change of the times and circumstances, “evils” do not only refer to fraudsters who cheat in real life and the cyber world, but also traitors who endanger national security. In addition to the ever changing modus operandi of crimes, there are also challenges in dealing with unprecedented national security risks.
“As the head of the National Security Department of the Force, I especially want to refer to the national security risks we are facing. At present, our society seems to be stable on the surface, but in fact the national security risk is secretly surging everywhere; there are still people who use “soft confrontation” to infiltrate the society and endanger national security; external forces continue to keep an eye on us, intending to curb the development of the country by interfering in Hong Kong's affairs and wantonly smearing the city and our country; and local terrorism is also going underground. In recent years, we have detected many cases involving firearms and bombs, which is enough proof of such risks. It has not only posed a threat to national security, but also seriously endangered the personal safety of every Hong Kong citizen.”
He believes that “safeguarding national security” is the responsibility of every officer, and it is also one of the strategic directions of the Force and one of the operational priorities of the Commissioner of Police.
“The Safeguarding National Security Ordinance which came to effect this year clearly stipulates that we must take national security as the most important consideration in making any decision and carrying out our duties. Therefore, in the face of the national security risks and as the forefront of protecting our people’s lives and property, all of us should have national security awareness to identify national security risk at an early stage for proper prevention and swift response, working together to fulfil the mission of safeguarding national security.”
Finally, he once again encouraged the graduates, who are about to take up their respective posts that no matter what environment and difficulties they face, they should always keep in mind and adhere to their original intention of joining the Force in fighting against evils, carrying out duties in their own post with “heart”, contributing to the Force and society, maintaining the stability and prosperity of the country and Hong Kong, and enabling every citizen to live well and thrive.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (National Security) inspects passing-out parade at HK Police College Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Deputy Commissioner of Police (National Security) inspects passing-out parade at HK Police College Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Deputy Commissioner of Police (National Security) inspects passing-out parade at HK Police College Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Deputy Commissioner of Police (National Security) inspects passing-out parade at HK Police College Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
