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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 28) called on people to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD).
The appeal followed an outbreak of the disease in a kindergarten cum child care centre in Kwun Tong involving 11 boys and 9 girls.
The affected children, aged between 2 and 5, had developed oral ulcers, fever and rash on their hands or feet since September 26.
16 children sought medical consultation and no one required hospitalisation. All children are in stable condition.
Stool specimen of one child grew Coxsackie virus A.
The institution has been put under medical surveillance. CHP staff provided health advice to the staff.
To prevent HFMD, a CHP spokesman urged people, especially management of institutions, to 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 made dirty 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
Ends/Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:01
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