Drug abuse has been a problem with every society and across every generation. In this review, the recent trends of drug abuse and the clinical features of the new drug of abuse in Hong Kong, namely Ecstasy, Ketamine and Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) are discussed. The data are collected from the Hong Kong Government Central Registry of drug abuse. It showed a rise in the total number of drug abusers in 2000. More alarmingly, we saw a dramatic rise (42.1%) in the under 21 years old age group. The drugs of abuse are also changing. Ecstasy was the most abused drug (51.5%) for the under 21 years old and overall it has become the second most common drug of abuse. The use of ketamine is also on the increase. The treatment and rehabilitation options available in Hong Kong are also discussed.
Recent international situation has brought our attention back to the imminent threat of biological weapon. Contrary to other weapons of mass destruction, biological warfare is relatively silent and invisible. This review will examine the history and characteristic of biological warfare. Several biological agents like Anthrax, Plaque, Smallpox, Tularemia and Viral Haemorrhagic Fever will be discussed in details.
Chinese man presented to our Accident and Emergency (A&E) department repeatedly for fever and respiratory symptoms. He was finally diagnosed to have polymyositis. Fever and respiratory symptoms are common presenting complaints to our A&E department and this case illustrates the importance of establishing a diagnosis in a patient with fever but without an obvious septic focus. (Hong Kong j.emerg.
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