Macau recorded 2,755 notifiable infectious disease cases last month, with influenza remaining the most commonly reported disease, while enterovirus infections, norovirus and scarlet fever registered the largest month-on-month increases, according to a statement by the Health Bureau (SSM) yesterday.
The bureau noted that it publishes monthly surveillance data to help monitor infectious disease trends and strengthen disease prevention. Under Macau’s mandatory notification mechanism, healthcare institutions and laboratories are required to report 45 categories of infectious diseases within the legally prescribed timeframe, the statement noted.
According to the statement, influenza accounted for the highest number of reported cases in June, with 2,154 cases, followed by 454 enterovirus infections and 33 tuberculosis (TB) cases.
Enterovirus infections rose month-on-month by about 130 percent from 199 cases in May to 454 cases last month, and nearly tripled compared with 153 cases recorded in June last year, the statement noted, adding that enteroviruses commonly cause hand, foot and mouth disease and herpangina*, particularly among children under the age of five, although severe complications such as myocarditis** and viral meningitis*** may also occur.
Norovirus infections increased from six cases in May to 13 in June, while scarlet fever cases climbed from 18 to 31 over the same period, the statement said, pointing out that norovirus is a common cause of viral gastroenteritis and food poisoning and can easily trigger outbreaks in schools and residential care homes.
Although scarlet fever cases increased by 72.2 percent month-on-month, last month’s total remained 46.6 percent lower than the 58 cases recorded in June last year, the statement said, adding that the bacterial disease mainly affects children aged between two and eight and can lead to complications if left untreated.
The bureau also reported that no dengue fever or chikungunya cases were recorded last month.
The Health Bureau urged residents to maintain good personal hygiene and adopt appropriate protective measures to reduce the risk of influenza and other infectious diseases.
* Herpangina is a contagious viral illness – most commonly caused by coxsackievirus – that causes sudden high fever and small, painful blisters in the back of the throat and mouth. It typically affects young children and is highly transmissible through respiratory droplets and saliva. The infection usually resolves on its own within seven to 10 days. – Gemini
** Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium) that can reduce the heart’s ability to pump blood and cause irregular rhythms. It is most often caused by a viral infection, but can also result from bacterial infections, autoimmune diseases, or drug reactions. – Gemini
*** Viral meningitis is the most common type of meningitis, causing inflammation of the brain and spinal cord linings. It is generally less severe than bacterial meningitis. While most cases resolve on their own within seven to 10 days with supportive care, prompt medical evaluation is always necessary to rule out more serious, life-threatening infections. – Gemini
This infographic provided by the Health Bureau (SSM) yesterday shows preventions of infectious respiratory diseases. The translation of the Chinese-language infographic was arranged by the Post.
