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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (April 7) investigating a confirmed case of Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection involving a two-year-old boy and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.
A CHP spokesman said the boy presented with cough, runny nose, and skin rash over the feet and an oral ulcer since March 27. He sought medical treatment from Tuen Mun Hospital on March 27 and did not require hospitalization. He is now in stable condition.
His stool specimen was tested positive for EV71.
Earlier on, the boy's mother had symptoms of Hand-Food-Mouth-Disease and was also confirmed to be an EV71 infection. She did not require hospitalization.
CHP's investigation revealed that the boy lived with his maternal grandparents and they are asymptomatic. This is the 14th 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, April 7, 2009
Issued at HKT 20:15
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