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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 16) advised a kindergarten-cum-nursery affected by Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (HFMD) to suspend classes for two weeks as new cases were reported despite enhancement of infection control measures.
The school involved is Tin Wan Methodist Kindergarten and Nursery in Aberdeen.
Five children developed symptoms of HFMD between June 6 and 13. Of these, a three-year-old girl was confirmed to have been infected with Enterovirus-71 (EV-71) on June 13. All of the affected children required no hospitalisation and are now in stable condition.
The school management had stepped up cleaning measures according to CHP's advice following a visit by CHP staff on June 12. However, five new cases were reported to the CHP involving four children and one school staff member who have developed similar symptoms since June 13. All of them are in stable condition.
A CHP spokesman said that in view of emergence of new cases after infection control measures were enhanced, the school was advised to suspend classes for two weeks from tomorrow for thorough disinfection.
"This is a measure to prevent further spreading of the diseases in the school," the spokesman said.
"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 (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
Ends/Monday, June 16, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:30
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