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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 3) called on members of the public to guard against Enterovirus-71 (EV-71) following the confirmation last night of a case involving a six-year-old girl.
EV-71 is a viral infection usually found among young children. It is also one of the causative agents for hand- foot-mouth disease (HFMD).
A CHP spokesman said the girl developed HFMD symptoms including rash over hands and feet and mouth ulcer on May 25. She was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on May 30 for management and discharged on June 1. Laboratory results of samples collected from the girl were positive for EV-71.
The girl has no recent travel history. Her family members have no HFMD symptoms. CHP is contacting the primary school the girl attends for medical surveillance.
The spokesman said as HFMD was transmitted by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, members of the public be vigilant against the disease and should observe the following preventive measures:
* 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.
This is the fourth case of EV-71 infection reported to CHP in 2007. There were 35, 8 and 16 cases of EV-71 infections reported in 2004, 2005 and 2006 respectively.
For more information, members of the public may visit the CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
Ends/Sunday, June 3, 2007
Issued at HKT 13:38
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