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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (March 20) confirmed a new case of Enterovirus-71 (EV-71) infection involving a one-year-old girl and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.
This is the first case of EV-71 infection reported to the CHP this year.
EV-71 is a viral infection usually found among young children. It is also one of the causative agents of hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD).
The child developed fever and rash on hands and feet on March 17. She was admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital on March 19 and is now in stable condition.
Laboratory results on her rectal swab sample available today yielded positive for EV-71.
The CHP¡¦s preliminary investigation showed that she had travelled to the Mainland between March 1 and 15.
A CHP 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 contact with other children until they have recovered.
There were 8, 16 and 12 cases of EV-71 infections reported in 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively.
For more information, members of the public may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
Ends/Thursday, March 20, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:49
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