By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews
Hong Kong health officials continue their investigation into a cluster of Burkholderia cepacia complex infection linked to Kam’s KS-MED solution for wound care.
Image/CHP
To date, a total of 181 patients were known to be affected, many are renal patients.
Officials report prepacked aqueous chlorhexidine product tested positive for Burkholderia cepacia complex by the Hospital Authority.
Based on the findings, health officials urge members of the public not to use the product, which is available for sale in shops in some hospitals, local shops and pharmacies for wound care.
“Members of the public, especially those who have a weakened immune system, such as renal patients, should pay extra attention to personal hygiene. Antiseptic products not indicated for wound care should not be used for that purpose or on broken skin. The public should also follow the instructions given by healthcare professionals on wound care and should seek medical advice if in doubt,” a spokesman for the Department of Health said.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), B. cepacia poses the greatest threat to hospitalized patients, critically ill patients and people with health problems such as weakened immune systems and chronic lung diseases. The symptoms of B. cepacia infections vary widely from none at all to serious respiratory infections. It can spread from person-to-person by direct contact and is often resistant to common antibiotics.
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