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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (March 27) investigating a confirmed case of Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection involving a 2-year-old boy and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.
A CHP spokesman said the boy had presented on March 25 with oral ulcers, rash over hands and feet, fever, cough and also a runny nose. He sought medical treatment from a private doctor and did not require hospitalisation. He is in stable condition.
His stool specimen tested positive for EV71.
The boy's family contacts had no symptoms of Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (HFMD).
Nine other children of the nursery the boy attended also developed HFMD symptoms. CHP had advised the institution to conduct thorough disinfection to prevent the spread of the disease.
This is the seventh case reported to the CHP this year. There were 16 cases of EV71 in 2006, 12 in 2007 and 98 in 2008.
For more information, people may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
Ends/Friday, March 27, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:02
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