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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 24) confirmed a case of Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection involving a 10-month-old baby girl and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.
The girl lives in Shenzhen. She developed fever, oral ulcers and skin rash on June 16. She came to Hong Kong to seek medical treatment at the Accident and Emergency Department of Prince of Wales Hospital on June 21, and was transferred to Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) on the same day. She was discharged on June 23 and re-admitted to PMH for vomiting and diarrhoea on June 24. She is now in stable condition.
Laboratory results of her specimens confirmed EV71 infection today. CHP's investigation is on-going.
There have been 56 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.
EV71 is a viral infection usually found among young children. It is also one of the causative agents for hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD).
A CHP spokesman said 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 the 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 contact with other children until they have recovered.
For more information, people may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline, 2833 0111.
Ends/Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:05
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