Hong Kong health authorities say melioidosis caused deaths of 10 monkeys at zoo
Bacterial infection may have been spread through contaminated soul, but humans are unlikely to be affected.
Staff carry out disinfection works at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens in Central. Photo: Sam TsangHealth authorities confirmed that melioidosis caused the death of more than 10 monkeys last month at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens.
Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung said digging during pipe-repair work may have caused the infections. The work was done in early October in a nearby flower-bed area. It may have brought contaminated soil to the environment.
“The contaminated soil might have been brought into the cages by staff wearing shoes with the soil,” he said.
What is melioidosis?
Melioidosis is a disease caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei (see graphic). It spreads easily.
The disease can cause conditions such as a localised infection, pneumonia, meningoencephalitis and sepsis. Symptoms can also include fever, headache, cough, chest pain, ulceration and localised pain or swelling.
The incubation period – the time it takes for a disease to cause symptoms after being exposed to it – commonly ranges from two to four weeks. The fatality rate is between 40 and 75 per cent. It can be treated with antibiotics.
How common is the disease in Hong Kong?
Cases of melioidosis have been recorded in the city every year, according to the Department of Health’s Centre for Health Protection.
The department’s controller, Dr Edwin Tsui Lok-kin, said the cases recorded this year were irregular, and there did not appear to be a worsening trend. None of the cases were related to the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, he added.
Can animals pass the disease to humans?
Tsui said melioidosis infections between humans and from animals were rare.
He added that authorities understood that staff at the garden were still in good health and not experiencing any abnormal conditions.
Culture minister Yeung said current measures were already enough to protect visitors. The whole mammal section has been closed off to the public. Cages are being cleaned and disinfected, too.
How can you protect yourself?
People handling soil or dirty water should wear waterproof gloves, shoes, and protective equipment. If you get hurt, you must deal with it immediately. Use waterproof coverings and avoid any outdoor activities.
Residents should also refrain from eating undercooked food or consuming water that has not been boiled and properly treated.
Professor Vanessa Barrs, dean of the Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences at City University, said the disease could still be dangerous for vulnerable groups.
“In general, healthy humans are resistant to the disease. But in people in poor health, such as those with medical conditions like diabetes, cancer or kidney disease, the infection can be fatal in 10 per cent to 40 per cent of cases.”