CHP investigates probable case of botulism
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (November 28) is investigating a probable case of botulism involving a patient who received injections of botulinum toxin on the Mainland. The CHP reminded the public that botulinum toxin injections should only be prescribed and performed by registered doctors.
The case involves a male patient aged 55 with a history of good health. According to the patient, he received injections purporting to be botulinum toxin at a friend's home on the Mainland on November 3. However, the patient was unable to confirm the professional qualifications of the one who performed the injections. He presented with symptoms including double vision, drooping eyelids, dysphonia, problems with chewing and swallowing on November 17. He visited Hong Kong Adventist Hospital - Tsuen Wan on November 19 and was admitted the same day. He was clinically suspected to have botulism caused by botulinum toxin injection and was discharged after treatment.
The CHP has reported the case to the relevant authority on the Mainland. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing.
"In Hong Kong, botulinum toxin injections should only be performed by a locally registered doctor. Customers should verify the doctor's full name against thelist of registered doctorsof the Medical Council of Hong Kong as well as their professional qualifications and relevant experience. When receiving injections outside Hong Kong, pay special attention to ensure the provider is qualified or registered with relevant jurisdictions for practice. In case of injections offered from suspicious sources, refrain from receiving them. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice from eligible medical professionals as soon as possible," a spokesman for the DH said.
Due to the weakening of associated muscles and the fact that botulinum toxin may spread and affect other areas beyond the injection site, affected patients may have drooping eyelids, double or blurred vision, problems with chewing, hoarseness, or even difficulties in swallowing, speaking or breathing, which may happen hours, days or weeks after the injection.
The DH urged the public to observe the health advice below before receiving botulinum toxin injections:
Injections in Hong Kong should only be performed by locally registered doctors;
Understand the procedure, potential risks and possible complications before receiving injections. Consult a doctor for an informed decision;
Do not receive injections from suspicious sources;
Do not receive an injection in the case of a history of allergy to botulinum toxin, or if there is an infection or inflammation on the injection site;
Request the full name of the doctor in writing if referred by a beauty service provider for the procedure, as well as the professional qualifications and relevant experience; and
If symptoms develop after injections, such as a fever or feeling unwell, seek medical attention immediately.
The public may visit the DH's webpage on thedifferentiation between medical procedures and beauty services, theDrug Databaseof the Drug Office and the CHP'sbotulism pagefor more information.
SED attends PISA Governing Board Meeting in Croatia
The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, attended the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) Governing Board Meeting organised by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in Dubrovnik, Croatia, on November 27 and 28 (Dubrovniktime) to discuss the current status of and future planning for PISA with representatives from other regions.
At the meeting, Dr Choi received updates on PISA's progress, including preparations for the PISA 2025 Innovative Domain Learning in the Digital World, and development of the PISA 2029 Framework for Artificial Intelligence and Media Literacy.
Dr Choi said that Hong Kong has been participating in PISA since 2002. Its data has provided an invaluable source for the Education Bureau over the years to analyse students' strengths and weaknesses, and factors related to learning effectiveness. PISA supports the bureau to examine, evaluate and monitor the effectiveness of the education system, and provides education practitioners with analyses on the effectiveness of school-level learning and teaching.
She said that PISA's cross-cultural and longitudinal comparisons are particularly inspiring. They provide scientifically based evaluations of educational outcomes to benchmark students' performance against the international norm and chart the progress over time. Hong Kong students have consistently performed well in PISA. Results have shown that family background and socio-economic status have minimal bearing on the students' performance, reflecting the distinctive advantage of Hong Kong's education system, which offers students an equal opportunity to receive quality education.
During the meeting, Dr Choi met the Minister of Science, Education and Youth of Croatia, Professor Radovan Fuchs, to discuss further strengthening higher education co-operation between Hong Kong and Croatia, and exchange views on the developments of vocational and professional education and training, and universities of applied sciences. Dr Choi also met education officials from Kyrgyzstan, Argentina and the Philippines to discuss higher education collaboration. She encouraged students from these Belt and Road countries to apply for the Belt and Road Scholarships established by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, and study in Hong Kong.
Dr Choi also visited the Dubrovnik School of Tourism and Hospitality, a vocational training institution for secondary school students, to see for herself how the school enhances students' skills and expertise in tourism and hospitality industries through providing various work-based learning opportunities.
On November 29 (Dubrovniktime), Dr Choi will speak at the PISA Conference to promote Hong Kong's education strengths.
SED attends PISA Governing Board Meeting in Croatia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
SED attends PISA Governing Board Meeting in Croatia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
SED attends PISA Governing Board Meeting in Croatia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
SED attends PISA Governing Board Meeting in Croatia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
SED attends PISA Governing Board Meeting in Croatia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
SED attends PISA Governing Board Meeting in Croatia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
