************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a confirmed case of Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.
A CHP spokesman said today (November 12) that the case involved an 11-month-old boy who developed fever, running nose, cough and rash over his hands and feet on October 21. He was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on November 1 and is now in stable condition.
The CHP's investigation revealed that the boy had stayed on the Mainland recently. His 18-month-old cousin living on the Mainland had oral ulcers but his family members living in Hong Kong are asymptomatic.
A total of 94 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/Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:16
NNNN
