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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 3) advised a kindergarten-cum-nursery affected by Hand-Foot-Mouth Diseases (HFMD) to suspend classes for two weeks as a new case was reported despite enhancement of infection control measures.
The school involved is Po Leung Kuk Choi Kai Yau Kindergarten-cum-Nursery in Tseung Kwan O. Eight children and one staff member of the institution developed symptoms of HFMD between May 2 and 13. Of them, a two-year-old girl was confirmed to have infected with Enterovirus-71 (EV-71) on May 19. All of the affected required no hospitalisation and are now in stable condition.
CHP staff visited the school on May 13. The school management had stepped up cleansing measures according to CHP¡¦s advice. However, a new case involving a four-year-old girl, who developed HFMD symptoms on June 2, was reported to the CHP today. The girl is in stable condition.
A CHP spokesman said that in view of emergence of a new case after infection control measures were enhanced, the school was advised to have class suspension for two weeks from tomorrow for thorough disinfection.
"This is a measure to prevent further spreading of the diseases in the school.
"CHP will closely monitor the situation. Parents are advised to pay attention to the health condition of their children, and to remind them to observe good personal and environmental hygiene."
For more information on HFMD and EV-71, people may visit the CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
Ends/Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:23
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