More than 90 people have been infected and 4 people have died in Hong Kong, China, due to an infection caused by Group B Streptococcus bacteria.

The Health Protection Centre of the Hong Kong Department of Health reported that about 91 people have been infected with the disease, 40 of whom have been discharged from hospital, while 43 patients are still in hospital in stable condition, 4 are in critical condition and 4 others have died.

According to the Centre, the results of the epidemiological investigation showed that 75 patients were exposed to raw freshwater fish before the onset of symptoms, noting that all infected people reside in different regions of the Syrian Arab Republic and that the freshwater fish in question were purchased from 47 different markets in 18 regions, and that the infection is linked to the ST283 strain.

Local authorities urged residents to wear gloves when handling raw freshwater fish, not to eat raw fish and to seek medical attention immediately if they have inflamed wounds or fever.