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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 26) confirmed three cases of Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.
A spokesman for the CHP said the cases involved a five-year-old boy, a 41-year-old man and a five-month-old girl. Laboratory tests on their throat or stool samples collected earlier showed positive results for EV71.
The boy developed fever, oral ulcers and rash over his hands and feet on June 20 and consulted a private doctor the next day. He was admitted to Queen Mary Hospital on June 23 and is now in stable condition. Laboratory results of his specimens confirmed EV71 infection.
Eighteen other children and one staff member of the kindergarten he attended, Tin Wan Methodist Kindergarten, had similar symptoms between June 6 and 17. The kindergarten has suspended classes since June 17 for two weeks in accordance with CHP¡¦s advice for thorough disinfection.
Of the 18 affected children, a three-year-old girl was confirmed to be infected with EV71 on June 13. Her 41-year-old father and two-year-old sister also developed symptoms of Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (HFMD) on June 11. They consulted a private doctor the same day and have already recovered. The laboratory result of the specimen of the 41-year-old man was positive for EV71.
The five-month-old girl lived in Shenzhen and presented with fever, diarrhoea and oral ulcers on June 19. She came to Hong Kong on June 23 for medical treatment and was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital. She was discharged two days later.
There have been 60 cases of EV71 infection reported to CHP so far this year. There were 35, 8, 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 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/Thursday, June 26, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:25
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