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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a confirmed case of Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection involving a five-year-old boy, the eighth case this year, and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.
A CHP spokesman said today (March 28) that the boy had presented with oral ulcers and rash over hands and feet since March 12. He sought medical treatment from private doctor and did not require hospitalisation. His condition is stable.
The boy¡¦s stool specimen tested positive for EV71.
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Family contacts of the boy had no symptoms of Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (HFMD).
Earlier on, another five-year-old boy in the kindergarten the boy attended was also confirmed to have EV71 infection. Four other children of the same school had also developed HFMD symptoms. All of them sought medical treatment and are in stable condition. The spokesman said the CHP had advised the school to do a thorough disinfection to prevent the spread of the disease.
"CHP will closely monitor the situation. Parents are advised to pay attention to the health condition of their children, and to remind them to observe good personal and environmental hygiene," he said.
There were 16, 12 and 98 cases of EV71 in 2006, 2007 and 2008 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/Saturday, March 28, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:25
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