CHP announces one new confirmed melioidosis infection case
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 18) said that one new confirmed melioidosis infection case had been recorded from October 10 to 17.
The case involves a 59-year-old female with underlying illness who lives in Sham Shui Po. She developed a fever and abdominal pain on October 5 and was admitted to Caritas Medical Centre on October 7. She is in stable condition. Her clinical sample was confirmed positive for Burkholderia pseudomallei upon testing.
The CHP is investigating the infection source of the case. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing. So far, 19 melioidosis infection cases have been recorded in Hong Kong this year. In 2023, 17 melioidosis infection cases were recorded.
A spokesman for the CHP reiterated that person-to-person transmission and animal-to-human transmission are rare, but melioidosis bacteria can survive in the local environment. Melioidosis is an endemic disease in Hong Kong and melioidosis cases have been recorded in Hong Kong each year. According to literature, infection cases are more common after typhoons or storms. The bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei of melioidosis in soil and muddy water may become exposed to the ground after typhoons or storms, and the bacteria could spread more easily with strong winds or storms. As such, the number of melioidosis cases may increase.
The CHP reminded members of the public that melioidosis can be spread by contaminated soil and water during and after typhoons and storms. Where practicable, people should stay indoors during typhoons and storms, avoid travelling to areas with potential flooding, and do not wade in or have contact with muddy water and soil. In addition, high-risk individuals should avoid paths near stormwater drains where aerosols may be generated from contaminated water.
Members of the public should also take the following preventive measures against infection:
Avoid contact with contaminated soil;
Wear appropriate protective clothing or footwear when participating in activities with possible contact with soil or water, e.g. using gloves and wearing boots. High-risk individuals may also consider wearing a surgical mask;
Wash or shower after exposure to contaminated water or soil;
Always clean any wounds as soon as possible and cover any cuts or grazes with waterproof dressings;
Wash hands with liquid soap and water after handling soil or gardening;
Observe food hygiene and avoid drinking raw water; and
Travellers can contract the disease through outdoor water sports. Risk of infection can be minimised by avoiding exposure to water sources (such as rivers, ponds or lakes) that might be contaminated.
The CHP appealed to members of the public to seek medical advice if they develop symptoms, in particular people with diabetes or other immunocompromised conditions, in order to receive an appropriate medical diagnosis and treatment. For more information on melioidosis, please visit the website of the CHP atwww.chp.gov.hk/en/healthtopics/content/24/101110.html.
CMU OmniClear Limited and SIX sign MOU to unlock further cross-border investment opportunities
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
CMU OmniClear Limited (CMU OmniClear), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and SIX signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today (October 18) for co-operation in securities depository and settlement to foster the growth of cross-border investment.
Based on the MOU, the two parties will collaborate in a joint international securities settlement and safekeeping, develop a closer working relationship, and maintain channels for the exchange of information.
The CEO of CMUOmniClear, Mr Stanley Chan, said, "Today marks an important milestone for the CMU OmniClear in developing into a regional central securities depository (CSD) in Asia. With the CMU OmniClear's unique gateway function between China and global markets, we believe our new partnership with SIX will help Chinese investors to tap into the opportunities in the Swiss and international markets, and allow Swiss investors enhanced access to the Hong Kong and Mainland markets."
The CEO at SIX, Mr Jos Dijsselhof, said, "We are very pleased with this agreement with such a relevant entity as CMU OmniClear, which we are convinced will be positive for both parties and both areas. Asia is a part of the world where we explore business opportunities with great potential."
The scope of the co-operation features areas such as mutual support for investment in the Hong Kong, Swiss and international markets. It also includes the mutual exchange of information on operation and market as well as mutual development of business opportunities.
About CMU OmniClear Limited
CMU OmniClear Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Exchange Fund established to operate the Central Moneymarkets Unit system (CMU) on behalf of the HKMA. Since 1990, the CMU has provided secure and efficient clearing, settlement and custodian services for Hong Kong's multi-currency debt securities and those in international markets. Over the years, the CMU has continuously established linkages with regional and international central securities depositories to expand its issuer and investor reach globally. With the launch of Bond Connect scheme in 2017, the CMU has become a pivotal financial market infrastructure serving both onshore and offshore market participants.
Please visit www.cmu.org.hk for more information about the CMU.
About SIX
SIX provides and operates stable and efficient infrastructure for the Swiss and Spanish financial centres, thus ensuring access to the capital markets and the flow of information and money between financial market players. As a global provider of financial information, SIX delivers high-quality reference, pricing, corporate actions, and ESG data and provides regulatory services and indices to clients around the world. The company is owned by its users (more than 120 banks) with a workforce of 4 160 employees and a presence in 19 countries.
Please visit www.six-group.com for more information about SIX.
CMU OmniClear Limited and SIX sign MOU to unlock further cross-border investment opportunities Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CMU OmniClear Limited and SIX sign MOU to unlock further cross-border investment opportunities Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CMU OmniClear Limited and SIX sign MOU to unlock further cross-border investment opportunities Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
