Scarlet Fever Epidemic, Hong Kong, 2011

Abstract

More than 900 cases of scarlet fever were recorded in Hong Kong during January–July, 2011. Six cases were complicated by toxic shock syndrome, of which 2 were fatal. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns suggested a multiclonal epidemic; emm12 was the predominant circulating type. We recommend genetic testing of and antimicrobial resistance monitoring for this reportable disease.

Keywords

• Scarlet fever
• epidemics
• Streptococcus pyogenes
• emm type
• shock
• septic