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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 7) urged the public to be vigilant against Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection following confirmation of three EV71 cases involving two boys and one girl aged between five and eight.
The first case involved a five-year-old boy living on the Mainland who developed fever, rashes on hands and oral ulcers on July 30. He was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) on August 1 and was discharged two days later.
The second and third cases involved a five¡Vyear-old girl and her eight-year-old brother. The girl presented with oral ulcers on July 24 while her brother developed fever and symptoms of Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease on July 23. Both were admitted to PMH on July 25 and discharged on July 27.
Laboratory results of their specimens confirmed EV71 infection.
A total of 77 EV71 infection cases have been reported to CHP so far this year. There were 35, eight, 16 and 12 cases in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively.
For more information, the public may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
Ends/Thursday, August 7, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:31
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