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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 27) confirmed a new case of Enterovirus-71 (EV-71) infection involving a three-year-old boy and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.
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 boy developed fever, runny nose, oral ulcer and rash on hands and feet on September 23 and was admitted to Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital on September 24. The boy was discharged today and fully recovered. Laboratory result of samples collected from the boy was positive for EV-71 today.
CHP's investigation revealed that the boy had travelled to Macau from September 14 to 16. His 11 travel collaterals did not have any symptoms. His mother developed symptoms of HFMD yesterday. She consulted a private doctor and is now in stable condition. The other three family members did not have any symptoms.
The spokesman said as hand-foot-mouth disease was transmitted by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, people should be vigilant against the disease and 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;
* Thoroughly clean 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 they have recovered.
This is the eleventh 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/Thursday, September 27, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:55
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