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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (March 31) investigating a confirmed case of Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection involving a 10-year-old boy and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.
A CHP spokesman said the boy had presented with fever and rash over his hands and feet since March 25. He was admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital on March 29 and is now in stable condition.
His throat swab specimen tested positive for EV71.
There was no Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (HFMD) outbreak in the primary school that the boy attended and his family contacts had no symptoms of HFMD.
However, the CHP had advised the school to conduct a thorough disinfection to prevent the spread of the disease.
This is the ninth 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/Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Issued at HKT 18:51
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