**********************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 21) confirmed a case of Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.
A spokesman for the CHP said the case affected an 8-year-old boy, who developed fever, headache and rash over his hands and feet on October 15. He was admitted to United Christian Hospital two days later and is now in stable condition.
Laboratory results of his specimens yielded positive results for EV71.
CHP's investigation revealed that the boy had no travel history. The primary school he attended did not have any report of outbreak of Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (HFMD). His three-year-old brother also had symptoms of HFMD earlier but was recovered.
A total of 86 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/Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:45
NNNN
