Education Corner

Family trips abroad have become increasingly common in today’s society, and many children even go overseas for short-term study tours or long-term education.Parents often worry about how well their children will adapt to a new lifestyle abroad—but far fewer understand the risk of infectious diseases during travel. Children can easily become ill while traveling.Common illnesses such as colds or gastroenteritis are usually mild and resolve on their own.However, some infections—like meningitis caused by meningococcal bacteria or mosquito-borne diseases such as Japanese Encephalitis—can have serious or life-threatening consequences.   Should Travelers Also Guard Against Mosquito-Borne Diseases? Many parents assume mosquito-borne diseases only occur in remote or developing regions.In fact, such diseases are found in subtropical destinations like Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea. One of the most common is dengue fever.With the popularity of farm-stay and outdoor family activities, the risk of mosquito bites—and thus infection—has increased significantly.Another illness that often goes unnoticed by parents is Japanese Encephalitis (JE). This disease transmits when a mosquito bites an infected animal and then bites a human. JE carries a fatality rate of up to 35%. The virus causes brain inflammation and swelling, damaging brain cells.Early symptoms may appear as high fever, followed by neck stiffness, confusion, coma, or seizures. Even survivors may suffer long-term neurological damage and irreversible cognitive impairment. Countries such as Japan, Taiwan, and Mainland China have already included the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine in their national immunization programs, though Hong Kong has not yet implemented it.   What Is Meningococcal Disease? Meningococcal meningitis is another serious infection that targets the brain. It spreads through respiratory droplets or contact with nasal or throat secretions from an infected person. Early symptoms include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, and light sensitivity. Patients may also develop purplish skin rashes and, in severe cases, bacterial infection in the bloodstream, leading to shock and death—sometimes within 24 hours. This rapid progression makes meningococcal disease especially dangerous, particularly for travelers unfamiliar with overseas medical systems, where diagnosis and treatment may be delayed. Even with treatment, patients may still suffer long-term complications such as hearing loss, intellectual disabilities, or muscle weakness. Like Japanese Encephalitis, meningococcal disease is vaccine-preventable. Although the vaccine is not part of Hong Kong’s government immunization program, it is included in national programs in Europe, the United States, and Mainland China. Parents are encouraged to speak to their doctor and consider arranging vaccination for their children before traveling.

Stopping Infection Before It Starts Most people have heard of invasive meningitis, but how much do we actually know about it?This serious infection can be caused by several types of bacteria. Among newborns, the most common culprits are Group B streptococcus, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Listeria monocytogenes. For infants aged six months and older, invasive meningitis is most often caused by pneumococcus (Streptococcus pneumoniae), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), or meningococcus (Neisseria meningitidis).   How Dangerous Is Invasive Meningitis? These bacteria are contagious. Children can become infected through contact with an infected person’s nose or throat secretions—such as droplets from sneezing or nasal mucus—especially when their immune system is weakened. Invasive meningitis can lead to serious long-term complications, including permanent hearing loss or intellectual impairment, and may even be fatal. Because its early symptoms are often mild or nonspecific, parents may overlook them, delaying diagnosis and treatment. At the onset of illness, symptoms may include fever and fatigue.   As the disease progresses, the patient may develop high fever, confusion, seizures, neck stiffness, and light sensitivity.If meningococcal bacteria are the cause, purplish skin rashes may appear, which can quickly progress to septicemia (blood poisoning). Since infants cannot describe their discomfort, parents should be especially alert to warning signs such as: Irritability or unusual drowsiness Loss of appetite Persistent fever (mild or high) If these symptoms appear, parents should seek immediate medical attention to rule out meningitis.

What Is Asperger’s Syndrome? Asperger’s Syndrome (AS), also known as Asperger’s Disorder (AD), is a type of developmental disorder in children.It was first identified in 1944 by Austrian pediatrician Dr. Hans Asperger, who observed several children with common but distinctive developmental patterns—such as poor nonverbal communication, lack of empathy toward peers, and awkward or uncoordinated movements. In the widely used medical reference, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM‑IV‑TR), Asperger’s Syndrome is categorized under Pervasive Developmental Disorders—a group of conditions that involve abnormalities in social interaction and communication development.   What Are the Key Features of Asperger’s Syndrome?    Social Difficulties This is the most significant feature of AD.Patients struggle to form age‑appropriate social relationships. They tend to prefer being alone, lack social skills, and find it hard to use body language, such as eye contact, facial expressions, or gestures, when interacting with others.They seldom share their interests, experiences, or joy with people around them.They are often less sensitive to social cues, have difficulty understanding emotional reciprocity, and find it hard to take another person’s perspective or discern others’ thoughts and feelings.   Language and Communication Children with AD usually have normal language development in terms of vocabulary and grammar, but their way of speaking may differ from others.They often use unusual tone, volume, or rhythm, which can make their speech sound odd or robotic.Their sentences may seem overly formal or verbose, and they tend to use complex words beyond their age level. They interpret speech literally and struggle to understand ** implied meaning, sarcasm, humor, or metaphors**.During conversations, they often talk only about their own interests, ignoring whether the other person is listening or engaged. Because they fail to recognize nonverbal cues like facial expressions or gestures, others may misunderstand them or even exclude or ridicule them.   Intense or Unusual Interests Children with AD often display deep fascination with topics different from their peers and may focus excessively on them.For instance, a child obsessed with dates may memorize hundreds of historical birth dates but show no interest in people’s actual lives or achievements. Rigidity in Thinking and Behavior Although they possess extensive knowledge, individuals with AD often find it hard to apply or integrate information flexibly.For example, a person who knows all the bus and subway routes might still struggle to find the quickest way from point A to point B.They tend to be stubborn and resistant to change, and may react strongly when routines or rules are disrupted.Arguments with parents, teachers, or peers are common. Some may rigidly follow unnecessary rules and find it difficult to adapt to new situations.   Other Associated Problems Many children with AD have poor coordination and appear clumsy.They may lack focus and organization in handling tasks.Because of their limited social skills, they are more prone to anger, anxiety, and depression, and in some cases may develop aggressive or self‑harmful behaviors.   How to cure Asperger’s Syndrome?  Currently, there is no cure for Asperger’s Syndrome.Medication may be prescribed to relieve anxiety, depression, or hyperactivity, but it does not address the core condition.Psychological therapy and behavioral counseling play a key role in helping patients improve social interaction, while emotional regulation and social skills training are essential components of treatment. Parents inevitably experience stress when raising children with Asperger’s, so professional guidance and family support are critically important. If a child around four to five years old shows signs of rigid behavior, avoidance of peer interaction, or difficulty following school rules, parents should seek professional assessment from a doctor as early as possible. Psychological therapy and behavioral counseling can help children with Asperger’s Syndrome overcome social difficulties.   Paediatric Specialist The information on this website is for educational purposes only.You should consult your doctor for professional advice and not rely solely on this website’s content.

Scarlet Fever: What Parents Need to Know April marks the seasonal transition, a period when scarlet fever infections become more common—especially among schoolchildren aged 5 to 15, who are the most vulnerable group.Scarlet fever is not a frightening disease; with proper treatment, recovery usually occurs quickly.However, as with any illness, prevention and awareness are essential—especially for parents who should be familiar with key facts about this infection.   Is Scarlet Fever a Bacterial Infection? Scarlet fever is caused by a bacterial infection of Group A Streptococcus and spreads mainly through respiratory droplets.Unlike a common cold, although fever is a symptom, scarlet fever rarely causes a runny nose or cough.Instead, patients often develop a sore throat and a sandpaper‑like rash on the skin. The rash generally does not itch, and with proper antibiotic treatment, it usually fades within about one week after onset.   Are Antibiotics Necessary to Treat Scarlet Fever? Yes. Antibiotics are the primary and most effective treatment for scarlet fever.However, there is a common misconception that antibiotics should be stopped once symptoms improve to avoid “resistance.”This is completely incorrect. Antibiotic misuse happens when antibiotics are taken unnecessarily—such as using them for viral illnesses like the common cold, where there are no bacteria to kill. In contrast, scarlet fever is a bacterial infection, so antibiotics are essential. Doctors typically prescribe a 5‑ to 10‑day course of antibiotics depending on the child’s condition and always remind parents to complete the full course to ensure all bacteria are eliminated from the body.   What Complications Can Scarlet Fever Cause? Doctors emphasize completing the entire course because, although scarlet fever is easily treatable, it can cause serious complications if untreated or inadequately treated.These may include: Middle ear infection (otitis media) Throat abscess Pneumonia Meningitis Damage to the kidneys, liver, or heart Hence, completing the full antibiotic treatment and allowing adequate rest is crucial.   How Can Scarlet Fever Be Prevented? Maintain good personal hygiene and wash hands frequently. Wear a mask when ill, since the infection spreads through respiratory droplets. During spring peak seasons, avoid visiting crowded or high‑risk environments such as children’s play areas or ball pits.   What Should Parents Pay Attention To? Keep indoor air well ventilated, and spend time outdoors for fresh air. If a child is infected, they should stay home from school or daycare until they have been fever‑free and on antibiotics for at least 24 hours. If your child shows any signs of discomfort, seek medical care promptly.With proper treatment, fever usually subsides within one to two days, and the rash will gradually fade within a week.   Paediatric Specialist The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only.You should consult your doctor for medical advice and should not rely solely on this content.

Haematuria (Blood in Urine) The presence of blood in urine, commonly known as haematuria, is a relatively common clinical symptom.In younger patients, haematuria is often temporary, caused by conditions such as urinary tract infection (UTI).However, if blood in the urine persists, further evaluation is needed to rule out more serious conditions such as kidney stones or glomerulonephritis (inflammation of kidney filters).In older adults (over 40), haematuria may be associated with benign prostatic enlargement or even malignant tumours in the urinary system.   How Is Haematuria Evaluated and Diagnosed? Urine Test All patients should first undergo urine culture testing to exclude infection-related haematuria caused by UTI.If bacterial growth is detected, treatment with appropriate antibiotics will be prescribed, followed by regular medical follow‑up. Patients are typically re‑examined six weeks later.If blood remains in the urine, further investigations are required, such as: Microscopic examination of the urine specimen to assess for the presence of abnormal cells and cancer risk.   According to the American Urological Association (AUA), risk factors for malignancy in asymptomatic haematuria include: Age > 40 years Current or past smoking Occupational exposure to chemicals or dyes Previous episodes of haematuria Chronic cystitis or other urinary discomfort Overuse of painkillers Prior contrast imaging procedures   Radiological Examinations Common imaging tests include: Ultrasound Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Computed Tomography (CT) Among them, CT Urography (CTU) is considered the first‑line investigation for diagnosing haematuria.It is suitable for most patients, except for pregnant women and those with contrast‑medium allergy. If these standard tests reveal no abnormalities, the patient may have mild glomerular disease, a condition more commonly seen in young to middle‑aged adults.   The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only.Please consult your doctor for professional advice and do not rely solely on this content.

What is Haemophilus influenzae type b(Hib)?  Haemophilus influenzae type b(Hib) is mainly transmitted through direct contact with nose or throat secretion of an infected person. It is a kind of bacteria that can cause serious invasive diseases, which usually affects young children. Haemophilus influenzae type b(Hib) does not cause influenza or flu. In contrary, it commonly presents as meningitis (infection of membranes covering the brain), often accompanied by germ entering the bloodstream. It may also affect other parts of the body, such as the lungs, epiglottis (upper part of the throat), etc. Meningitis can lead to symptoms such as fever and nausea; while epiglottitis can cause symptoms such as drooling and difficulty in breathing.   How to prevent Haemophilus influenzae type b(Hib)? It is suggested that infants should receive a total of 4 Hib vaccinations respectively at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and 18 months after birth, so as to induce development of antibodies in the body and provide protection against bacterial infection.