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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 three cases by laboratory test today (June 11).
A spokesman for the CHP said the cases involved two boys and a girl aged between one and 16. Laboratory tests on their throat or stool samples collected earlier showed positive result to EV71 today.
The first case involved a one-year-old boy living in Shenzhen. He developed fever, oral ulcers and vesicular lesions on hands and feet on June 6. He came to Hong Kong for treatment on the same day and was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital. He was discharged the next day.
His 3-year-old sister also developed symptoms of Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (HFMD) since May 20 and was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital between May 20 and 22.
In the second case, a five-year-old boy was affected. He developed symptoms of fever, oral ulcers and rash over hands and feet since June 4. He was admitted to Queen Mary Hospital on June 7 and was discharged the following day.
As for the third case, a girl aged 16 developed symptoms of HMFD since June 2. She was admitted to United Christian Hospital on June 5 and was discharged on June 10.
There are 51 cases of EV-71 infection reported to CHP so far this year. There were 35, eight, 16 and 12 cases in the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively.
The spokesman said EV71 was 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/Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Issued at HKT 20:22
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