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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 21) called on people to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) following an outbreak of the disease in a children's residential home in Mong Kok involving 20 children.
The affected children, aged between 1 and 3 years, came from two different floors. They developed fever, oral ulcers and rash over the hands or feet starting from April 6.
They sought medical consultation. Two of the children were admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for treatment and have since been discharged. All children are in stable condition.
CHP staff paid site visits to the centre and provided health advice to the management.
To prevent HFMD, members of the public, including management of institutions, should adopt the following measures:
* Maintain good air circulation.
* Wash hands before meals and after going to the toilet, handling diapers or other stool soiled materials.
* Keep hands clean and wash hands properly, especially when they are dirtied by respiratory secretions, such as after sneezing.
* Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and mouth discharge properly.
* Clean children's toys and other objects thoroughly and frequently with 1:99 diluted household bleach, followed by rinsing/wiping with clean water.
* Children who are ill should be kept out of school until their fever and rash have subsided and all the vesicles have dried and crusted.
* Avoid going to overcrowded places.
For more advice on the prevention of HFMD, people may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the department's Central Health Education Unit hotline 2833 0111.
Ends/Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:15
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