********************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health urged people to be vigilant against Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection following the confirmation of a case by laboratory test today (June 3).
A spokesman for the CHP said the case involved a 2-year-old boy. Laboratory tests on his throat samples collected earlier showed positive result to EV71.
The boy lives in Shenzhen. He developed fever, rash over hand and foot with oral ulcers on May 26. He came to Hong Kong on May 29 and was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on May 31. He was discharged on June 1.
CHP's investigation is on-going.
There have been 43 cases of EV71 infection reported to CHP so far this year. There were 35, eight, 16 and 12 cases in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively.
The spokesman said EV71 was a viral infection usually found among young children. It was also one of the causative agents for Hand Foot Mouth Disease (HFMD).
He added that May to August was 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/Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:30
NNNN
