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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (July 9) confirmed three cases of Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection involving three boys aged between one and 15. Members of the public are urged to be vigilant against the disease.
The first case involved a one-year-old boy. He developed fever, oral ulcers and rash on his hands and feet on July 2. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Caritas Medical Centre and was later transferred to Princess Margaret Hospital on July 4. He was discharged on July 7.
The second case involved a three-year-old boy who developed oral ulcers and rashes on his hands and feet on July 2. He sought medical treatment from a private doctor and no hospitalisation was required.
At the nursery he attended, four other children, comprising three boys and a girl all aged three, had symptoms of hand, foot and mouth diseases between June 30 and July 2. All had received medical treatment without hospitalisation. They are in stable condition. The CHP had already provided health advice to the nursery and is closely monitoring the situation.
The third case involved a 15-year-old boy who presented with fever, oral ulcers and rash on his hands and feet on July 3. He was admitted to the Baptist Hospital on July 6. He is now in stable condition. There is an outbreak at the school the boy attended.
Laboratory results of the boys' specimens confirmed EV71 infection.
A total of 73 EV71 infection cases have been reported to CHP so far this year. There were 35, 8, 16 and 12 cases in the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively.
For more information, people may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
Ends/Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:32
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