COVID-19 positivity rate rising to 9.07 percent and many children developing MIS raises alarms in Hong Kong

COVID-19 News: SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in Hong Kong's nursing homes and hospitals have raised concerns as cases continue to surge globally. Health experts urge vigilance and emphasize the importance of maintaining safety protocols in high-risk environments.


COVID-19 positivity rate rising to 9.07 percent and many children developing
MIS raises alarms in Hong Kong

Outbreaks in Care Homes and Hospitals
Hong Kong has recently recorded several COVID-19 outbreaks in care homes and hospital wards, echoing a troubling rise in cases worldwide. Health authorities reported seven outbreaks in local care homes between late July and early August, involving 60 patients. The situation worsened with four additional outbreaks recorded from August 4 to 9, affecting 29 more individuals in care homes and other institutions.
 
In a parallel development, 20 patients aged between 47 and 94 at Grantham Hospital's infirmary unit tested positive for COVID-19 since July 31. These outbreaks are particularly concerning given the vulnerability of the affected populations and the potential for rapid virus spread in densely populated and poorly ventilated environments.
 
Environmental Factors and Risks
Experts have pointed to the dense living conditions and inadequate air circulation in these facilities as likely contributors to the outbreaks. Long-term hospitalizations, where patients share confined spaces for extended periods, exacerbate the risk. The combination of high temperatures and closed windows, due to air conditioning, further hampers air quality and circulation, creating an environment conducive to virus transmission.
 
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) has reported that during week 31, there were 719 newly recorded positive results for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid tests in laboratories, a decrease from the 796 recorded in the previous week. In the initial four days of week 32 (August 4 - August 7), the daily count of newly recorded positive SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid test results varied between 92 and 125.
 
The COVID-19 positivity test rate has increased to 9.07% for week 31 compared to 8.72 percent the previous week. There was a total of 19 COVID-19 deaths for week 31. The rising trend in cases is a cause for concern.
https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/covid_flux_week31_8_8_2024_eng.pdf
 
Wastewater Monitoring for SARS-CoV-2 Virus
In week 31, the 7-day geometric mean of the per capita viral load for SARS-CoV-2 detected through sewage surveillance was approximately 450,000 copies per liter.
 
COVID-19 Monitoring in Sentinel Clinics
During week 31, the average consultation rates for COVID-19 in sentinel general out-patient clinics (GOPC) and sentinel private medical practitioner clinics were recorded at 47.5 and 28.5 cases per 1,000 consultations, respectively.
 
Global and Regional Context
The situation in Hong Kong mirrors a broader global trend, with significant differences in infection rates across regions. According to d ata from the World Health Organization (WHO), Europe recorded 45,000 COVID-19 cases over a recent seven-day period, compared to just 4,500 cases in the western Pacific region, where Hong Kong is located. Despite the western Pacific region having a much larger population than Europe, the lower case numbers suggest that the pandemic's impact is more severe in Europe. 

Thailand Medical News has been reporting numeorus COVID-19 News coverages on rising SARS-CoV-2 infections in many countries and geoplocatiosn in the last 6 weeks.(click on the hyperlink above to access all these coverages.)
 
Concerns Over Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children
In addition to the outbreaks in care homes and hospitals, there has been a disturbing rise in cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS) among children in Hong Kong. This rare but serious condition, linked to COVID-19, causes inflammation in various parts of the body, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, and gastrointestinal tract. MIS usually follows Covid-19 infections, with peaks occurring about a month after a surge in cases.
 
Recent weeks have seen three cases of MIS reported in different hospitals across the city, involving children aged eight to ten. These cases are notable because Hong Kong had previously recorded 80 to 90 cases of MIS, but there had been a long period of calm until this recent uptick. Children affected by MIS exhibit symptoms such as prolonged fever, rashes, red eyes, and inflammation in multiple organs.
 
Parents are urged to seek medical attention promptly if their children display symptoms of MIS, as delayed treatment can lead to severe complications, including heart problems.
 
A Cautious Outlook Amid a Persistent Threat
The risk of COVID-19 remains a significant concern in Hong Kong, with health authorities warning of a potential increase in local virus activity. Despite the global decline in COVID-19 restrictions and the lifting of many social distancing measures, the virus continues to circulate, posing ongoing challenges for public health.
 
As Hong Kong navigates this ongoing public health challenge, the focus remains on protecting high-risk populations, particularly those in care homes, hospitals, and among the elderly and immunocompromised. The CHP has emphasized the importance of maintaining personal hygiene, adhering to safety protocols, and seeking medical advice promptly when symptoms arise.
 
Hong Kong's experience serves as a reminder that the pandemic is far from over, and vigilance is key to managing and mitigating its impact on vulnerable populations. As the world continues to grapple with COVID-19, the importance of community awareness and adherence to public health guidelines cannot be overstated.
 
Conclusion
As the situation evolves, it is crucial for the public and healthcare providers to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the risks posed by Covid-19. The ongoing outbreaks in care homes and hospitals highlight the need for continued attention to environmental factors, early detection, and timely medical intervention, particularly for vulnerable groups. While global trends provide context, local efforts and adherence to health guidelines will be critical in navigating this ongoing public health challenge.
 
For the latest COVID-19 News, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
 
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/u-s-medical-news-ohio-faces-summer-surge-in-covid-19-cases
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-hospitalizations-rising-in-argentina-children-most-affected