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Laboratory result of neurological complication suspected to be caused by EV infection
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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has received the laboratory test result of a neurological complication case suspected to be due to enterovirus (EV) infection.

     The case involved a 13-year-old boy who had viral meningitis. His rectal swab specimen was tested positive for Coxsackie virus B5.

     He is still in Queen Elizabeth Hospital but in stable condition.

     The rectal swab of the boy's younger brother was preliminarily tested positive for enterovirus but negative for EV71. Further laboratory tests are being conducted.  The throat and rectal swabs of other home contacts were negative for EV71.
 
     Meanwhile, CHP has also received the report of a viral encephalitis case at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) suspected to be related to EV infection. Result of laboratory test had ruled out the possibility.

     The case involved a 31-year-old female with good past health who worked in Macao. She presented with fever and influenza-like symptoms on May 13 and was subsequently admitted to hospital in Macao.

     On June 4, she was transferred back to Hong Kong and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of QEH on the same day because of neurological complication. Examination revealed no oral lesion, rash or any features suggestive of Hand, Food and Mouth Disease (HFMD). Her nasal, throat and rectal swab were all tested negative for enterovirus and enterovirus 71.

     The spokesman reminded the public that Hong Kong was currently in the HFMD high season. He called on the public to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent HFMD and 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 1:49 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; and
* Avoid going to overcrowded places.

Ends/Monday, June 7, 2010
Issued at HKT 21:12

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