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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is implementing a series of health measures in anticipation of the seasonal rise of Hand-Foot-Mouth Diseases (HFMD) and Enterovirus 71 (EV71) infections, a CHP spokesman said today (April 3).
While the peak season of HFMD and EV71 infections in Hong Kong usually comes between May and July, the spokesman said there are signs that the onset of the peak season may occur earlier this year.
"The number of institutional HFMD outbreaks during March 2009 was higher compared with the same month in the previous three years," the spokesman said.
Twelve EV71 cases have been recorded so far this year, which was higher than the corresponding periods during 2006-2008. The number of EV71 cases in 2006, 2007 and 2008 were 16, 12 and 98 respectively.
The spokesman said that the CHP had sent letters to child care centres, kindergartens, primary and secondary schools alerting them to the latest HFMD and EV71 infection situation and providing advice on prevention and control.
Upon notification of HFMD outbreaks in these institutions, the CHP will initiate prompt investigation and control measures to limit disease transmission, he said.
Certain scenarios may warrant temporary suspension of classes in an individual child institution. For example, this may include the occurrence of further cases in an institution attended by a confirmed EV71 case after stepping up control measures, or the occurrence of an EV71 case with severe complications associated with an HFMD outbreak in the institution.
Health talks will be arranged for schools, kindergartens and child care centres this month to update them on the HFMD and EV71 situation, and to brief them on outbreak management and prevention and control measures in schools.
"In addition, broadcast of TV and radio announcements will be intensified to increase public alertness.
"The 'EV SCAN', a weekly update on HFMD and EV71 infections will be published on the CHP website today to summarise the latest statistics of these diseases," the spokesman added.
As for schools with significant intake of cross-border students, school managements and transport contractors are reminded to conduct regular and thorough disinfection of school buses. These schools are also asked to remind parents of cross-border children not to send their children with HFMD symptoms to attend school.
The DH's Port Health Office is also distributing HFMD pamphlets at immigration control points.
Letters have been issued today to all doctors on the latest situation and management of HFMD and EV71 infection in Hong Kong so as to enhance case detection, clinical diagnosis and management, as well as dissemination of health advice.
To prevent HFMD and EV71 infection, members of the public are urged to stay vigilant and strictly observe personal and environmental hygiene. While in Hong Kong or during travel, they are advised to:
* Wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet and changing diapers;
* Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, and properly dispose of nasal and mouth discharges;
* Never share personal items such as towels and eating utensils;
* Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, furniture and toilets regularly with diluted bleach of 1:99 concentration (one part household bleach to 99 parts water);
* Disinfect toys/places which are contaminated by secretions or excreta with diluted household bleach of 1:49 concentration;
* Maintain good ventilation;
* Parents should pay attention to the health of their children and seek medical advice if their children develop symptoms of HFMD, especially if the following occurs:
- Fever not subsided;
- Repeated vomiting;
- Persistent sleepiness or drowsiness;
- Myoclonic jerks
* Children suffering from HFMD should stay at home and avoid contact with other children until they are completely recovered;
* Parents should maintain close communication with schools to let them know the latest situation of the sick children.
More information on preventive measures against EV71 and HFMD can be found on the CHP website (www.chp.gov.hk).
Ends/Friday, April 3, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:35
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