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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has confirmed a case of Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.
A spokesman for the CHP said today (October 15) the case was a 16-month-old boy who lives in Shenzhen and developed fever, poor appetite, oral ulcers and rash over hands and feet on October 8. He came to Hong Kong on October 10 for medical consultation and was admitted to the Tuen Mun Hospital. He was discharged on October 13.
Laboratory results of his stool specimens yielded positive results for EV71.
CHP's investigation revealed that his home contacts are asymptomatic.
A total of 84 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, people may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
Ends/Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:00
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