************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health urged members of the public to be vigilant against Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection following the confirmation of four cases by laboratory tests today (June 2).
A spokesman for the CHP said the cases involved three boys and a girl aged between two and 11. Laboratory tests on their throat or stool samples collected earlier showed positive result to EV71.
Among them, a two-year-old boy developed fever, and rash over his hands and feet on May 26. He attended private practitioners on May 29 and was admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital on May 30. He was discharged today.
No outbreak of Hand Foot Mouth Disease (HFMD) was reported in the kindergarten the boy attended.
The second case involved a three-year-old boy. He developed vesicles on palms and soles on May 27 and was admitted to the Princess Margaret Hospital. He was discharged on May 28. No outbreak of HFMD was reported in the kindergarten the boy attended.
The third case involved a four-year-old girl who developed vesicular rash over her hands on May 28. She attended the clinic of Tuen Mun Hospital on May 29. No hospitalisation was required.
Nine other students of the nursery the girl attended had similar symptoms between May 23 and 28. One of them was confirmed to have EV71 infection on May 28 and reported in press release the same day. CHP staff visited the school and provided health advice to the management. So far, no new case was reported since the implementation of control measures at the school.
The last case involved an 11-year-old boy. He developed oral ulcers and rash on hands and feet on May 28 and was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital on May 30. He was now in stable condition. The primary school he attended had no outbreak of HFMD.
There are 42 cases of EV71 infection reported to CHP so far this year. There were 35, 8, 16 and 12 cases in the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively.
The spokesman said EV71 is a viral infection usually found among young children. It is also one of the causative agents for HFMD.
He added that May to August is the usual peak season for HFMD and EV71. The infection is 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.
Children suffering from the infection should stay at home and avoid contacting other children until they have recovered.
For more information and preventive measures, people may visit the CHP's website and the "HFMD and EV71 Daily Situation Update" at http://www.chp.gov.hk or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
Ends/Monday, June 2, 2008
Issued at HKT 20:37
NNNN
