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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating two confirmed cases of Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.
A CHP spokesman said today (November 21) that the first case involved a 10-year-old boy who developed Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) symptoms, including fever, vesicles on his palms and soles and oral ulcers on November 1. He sought medical treatment from a doctor and did not require hospitalisation. He has recovered and his symptoms have subsided.
His stool specimen taken earlier this week yielded positive results for EV71.
The CHP's investigation revealed that the boy had no travel history. Other family members are asymptomatic.
Eight other children in the residential institution he attended developed similar HFMD symptoms between October 19 and November 5. One of them, a three-year-old boy, was confirmed to have been infected with EV71 earlier (the press release was issued on November 5). There was no new case of HFMD after November 5.
The second case involved a seven-year-old boy who developed fever and vesicular rash over his hands and knees on November 6. He consulted a private doctor the next day and was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on November 9. He was discharged on November 13.
The CHP's investigation revealed that he had no travel history and his home contacts are asymptomatic.
A total of 97 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/Friday, November 21, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:32
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