The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 29) confirmed a case of Enterovirus-71 (EV-71) infection and urged people to guard against the disease.

Details of the case are as follows:

Age: 4-month-old
Sex: Male
Symptom: fever and cough
Date of onset: August 25, 2006
Present condition: Admitted to Queen Mary Hospital on August 26 and is now in stable condition.
Travel history: No recent travel history.
Others: His parents did not have symptoms.

Cumulative total of EV-71 cases in 2006: 12
* imported: 0
* local: 10
* To be classified: 2

     Total number of EV 71 cases in recent years: 60 in 1998, 22 in 1999, 6 in 2000, 30 in 2001, 5 in 2002, 1 in 2003, 35 in 2004 and 8 in 2005.

     A CHP spokesman said it was essential that people stayed alert to the threat of EV-71 infection and took the following preventive measures in prevention of the disease:

* Wash hands before eating and after going to toilet and changing diapers;
* Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing;
* Maintain good ventilation;
* Clean thoroughly toys or appliances which are contaminated by nasal or oral secretions.

     Parents should seek medical advice if their children develop symptoms of hand-foot-mouth disease.

     Children suffering from the infection should stay at home and avoid contacting other children until the illness is over.

     For more information, people may visit the CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.

Ends/Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Issued at HKT 17:57

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