************************************
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 two cases by laboratory test today (June 13).
A spokesman for the CHP said the cases involved two girls aged three and 17 respectively. Laboratory tests on their throat or stool samples collected earlier showed positive result to EV71 today.
The three-year-old girl developed fever and rash over her hands and feet on June 6. She consulted a private doctor on June 8 and did not require hospitalization.
The girl's 41-year-old father and two-year-old sister also developed symptoms of Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (HFMD) on June 11 but required no hospitalization.
Four other students of the kindergarten in Tin Wan Estate the girl attended had similar symptoms between June 10 and 11. CHP staff visited the school and provided health advice to the management. So far, no new case has been reported since the implementation of control measures at the kindergarten.
The 17-year-old girl involved in the second case presented with fever, headache and vesicles on her hands and feet on June 8 and was admitted to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital in Tai Po the following day. She subsequently developed symptoms compatible of encephalitis and was transferred to Princess Margaret Hospital today. She is now in serious condition.
Investigation revealed that she had traveled to the Mainland during the incubation period. The family members of the girl had no symptoms of HFMD. The school she attended did not have any HFMD outbreak.
There are 53 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/Friday, June 13, 2008
Issued at HKT 20:48
NNNN
