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The Government is on full alert to the threat of enterovirus (EV-71) infections and Hand-Foot-Mouth Diseases (HFMD) and is putting in place a comprehensive preventive and surveillance programme in Hong Kong to protect public health.
Speaking at the press conference today (May 7), the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH), Dr Thomas Tsang, said that Hong Kong should remain vigilant in view of recent upsurge in EV-71 infections and HFMD in some parts of the Mainland and neighbouring regions.
Describing this year's situation as challenging, he noted that Hong Kong is entering the traditional peak season of EV71 and HFMD.
¡§HFMD is commonly seen in infants and children. It occurs in Hong Kong throughout the year but more frequently in summer and early autumn,¡¨ he said.
Recent surveillance figures suggested an increase in HFMD activity, he added.
The consultation rate for HFMD among sentinel general practitioner reported in April ranged from 1.3 to 1.9 per 1 000 consultations, which was higher than those reported in the previous month (ranged from 0.5 to 1.5 per 1 000 consultations).
Thirteen EV71 cases have been recorded so far this year, which was higher than the corresponding periods in previous years. The number of EV71 cases in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 were 35, 8, 16 and 12 respectively.
There were totally 147 EV71 cases occurred in the past decade (1999 to 2008). While most cases were mild and recovered spontaneously, two fatal cases had occurred in 1999 and 2000 respectively.
Dr Tsang explained that HFMD may be caused by a number of viruses, of which Coxsackie A virus is the most common in Hong Kong, accounting for about 75% of HFMD outbreaks. He added that about 20 per cent of HFMD outbreaks in Hong Kong were caused by EV71. EV71 is of particular concern because it has been associated with large outbreaks with childhood complications and fatalities in neighboring areas during the past decade.
¡§We have already put in place surveillance systems for HFMD and EV71 infection including outbreak notification, sentinel clinics, and laboratory surveillance,¡¨ he said.
¡§We maintain close communication and exchange information with the Ministry of Health and the relevant health authorities to have the latest understanding of the situation in Mainland and neighouring areas.
Dr Tsang called for concerted efforts from all sectors of the society in preventing the infection.
He said that a wide range of health education activities organized by the Government has been stepped up among members of the public especially school management and parents.
¡§DH, the Education Bureau and the Social Welfare Department are co-organising five health talks on prevention of HFMD for kindergartens, child care centres, primary and secondary schools. The first talk will be held tomorrow (May 8).
¡§Letters with specific instructions had been sent to these institutions on May 5. Posters and pamphlets will be distributed to them.
On the suspension of classes, ¡§CHP has conveyed to schools under what conditions they would be advised to suspend classes due to HFMD outbreaks,¡¨ Dr Tsang said.
Scenarios may include occurrence of further cases in an institution attended by a confirmed EV71 case after stepping up control measures, or occurrence of an EV71 case who is suffering from severe complication and the institution the child is attending has an associated HFMD outbreak.
¡§CHP will closely monitor local and overseas situation and will review the advice for school suspension accordingly,¡¨ he added.
Regarding measures to prevent travelers from acquiring the infection from abroad, DH's Port Health Office will distribute HFMD pamphlets at immigration checkpoints.
The tourism industry has also been informed of the latest regional situation and preventive measures. Publicity for tourists and communications with the travel industries has also been strengthened.
There were also new measures in collaboration with healthcare providers. ¡§CHP is working together with the Hospital Authority and private hospitals to implement an expanded surveillance system for the early detection of children with severe complications caused by enterovirus, influenza, and possibly other pathogens,¡¨ Dr Tsang said, adding that the system will be put in place this Friday (May 9).
Letters have been issued to all doctors last Friday (May 2) on the latest situation and management of HFMD and EV-71 in Hong Kong and neighouring areas so as to enhance case detection, clinical diagnosis and management, as well as dissemination of health advice.
Turning to public communication, ¡§To keep the public abreast of the latest situation, CHP will produce a daily report of HFMD/EV71 on its website www.chp.gov.hk starting this Friday (May 9). This daily report will present the situation in Hong Kong and neighbouring areas.¡¨.
¡§Besides, broadcast of TV and radio announcements will be intensified to increase public alertness,¡¨ Dr Tsang said.
To prevent HFM and EV-71 infection, members of the public are urged to stay vigilant and strictly observe personal and environmental hygiene. While in Hong Kong or during travel, members of the public are advised to:--
* Wash hands before eating and after going to toilet and changing diapers;
* Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, and proper disposal of nasal and mouth discharge;
* Never share personal items such as towels and eating utensils;
* Clean and disinfect frequently touched surface, furniture and toilets regularly with diluted bleach of 1:99 concentration (one portion of household bleach adding 99 portion of water);
* Disinfect toys/places which are contaminated by secretions or excreta with diluted household bleach of 1:99 concentration;
* Maintain good ventilation;
* Parents should pay attention to the health of their children and seek medical advice if their children develop symptoms of HFMD, especially if the following occurs:
- Fever not subsided;
- Repeated vomiting;
- Persistent sleepiness or drowsiness;
- Myoclonic jerks
* Children suffering from HFMD should stay at home and avoid contacting other children until they are completely recovered;
* Parents should maintain close communication with schools to let them know the latest situation of the sick children.
More information on the preventive measures against EV-71 and HFMD can be found in the website of CHP (http://www.chp.gov.hk).
Ends/Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:44
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