In response to the recent increase in cases of mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in neighbouring areas, possibly signalling the beginning of an active phase in Macau as well, the Health Bureau (SSM) called on residents to step up precautions in a statement yesterday.
The bureau has detected a rise in mycoplasma pneumoniae infections since the beginning of this year, with a total of 31 positive serology samples, compared with 140 cases in the same period in 2019, the statement said.
Among the cases, 27 have been detected since September, with a positive detection rate of about one percent, which is lower than the peak positive detection rate of 10 percent in the same period in 2019, the statement said.
At present, the infection situation of mycoplasma pneumoniae in Macau is still relatively stable. However, residents need to remain vigilant and take relevant preventive measures at all times, the statement said.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common pathogen of respiratory tract infection, which can occur all year round, especially in the summer and autumn in the nation’s southern regions, the statement said.
Cluster infections can occur in crowded environments such as schools and homes, mainly through droplets or through contact with objects contaminated with the secretions of patients, the statement said, adding that the incubation period is about one to four weeks, usually three weeks.
The population is generally susceptible, mostly affecting children and adolescents over the age of five, and the common symptoms include fever, cough, headache, runny nose, sore throat, earache and other upper respiratory symptoms, the statement said.
Most patients with a mild infection will recover fully, but about five to 10 percent of patients may develop pneumonia which is usually mild and rarely requires hospitalisation, the statement said.
As with any respiratory infectious disease, good personal hygiene and infection control practices can effectively prevent transmission of mycoplasma pneumoniae, such as covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing, as well as wrapping one’s sputum and secretions in a tissue, then placing them in a dustbin with a lid and washing hands as soon as possible, the statement said.
The bureau reminds residents to get enough sleep, have a balanced diet and exercise regularly to build up good body immunity, maintain good air circulation and environmental hygiene, as well as avoid going to crowded places.
For more information, the public can visit the website of the Health Bureau at http://www.ssm.gov.mo/csr or call 2856 1122 during office hours.
Image courtesy of histopathology-india.net
