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Cannan Kindergarten in Whampoa Garden has been advised to suspend classes for a week following the Centre for Health Protection's (CHP) investigation into a fatal case of suspected enterovirus infection involving a 35-year-old woman.
The woman presented with rash over hands on May 12. She further developed fever and dizziness on May 21. On May 22, she was found collapsed and was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital. She passed away the next day.
Laboratory tests done by Microbiology Department of Queen Mary Hospital revealed that her throat and rectal swabs were tested positive for enterovirus. Further confirmatory test result is pending.
CHP's investigation showed that her two daughters, aged 17 months and four years old respectively, also presented with symptoms of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) on May 5 and May 9. The children have sought medical consultation and are now asymptomatic.
As a precautionary measure, the CHP advised Cannan Kindergarten in Whampoa Garden which the elder daughter attended to suspend classes between tomorrow (May 27) and next Wednesday (June 2).
Four other children, aged between three and four who attended the kindergarten, were also infected with the disease. All of them sought medical consultation and none required hospitalisation. They have all recovered.
Investigation continues.
The CHP has put the kindergarten under medical surveillance and provided health advice to the staff.
The spokesman called on the public to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent HFMD. They 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 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, May 26, 2010
Issued at HKT 19:42
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