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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has today (June 13) urged the public to stay vigilant against Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) during its current high season as two reports of neurological complications due to enterovirus (EV) infection were received.
The first case was a 13-year-old boy who presented with low grade fever and sore throat on June 10 and later developed headache, rash over hands and feet, drowsiness and dizziness on June 12.
The boy attended Accident and Emergency Department of Yan Chai Hospital on June 12, and was then admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital. He was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit today and is now in critical condition. His clinical features were compatible with encephalitis.
Investigations revealed that the boy's younger sister had mild fever and sore throat on June 9 and her symptoms had already subsided.
Throat and rectal specimens from the boy and his younger sister were preliminarily tested positive for enterovirus but negative for EV71. Further laboratory tests are being conducted.
The second case involved a three-month-old baby boy who developed fever on May 28. He was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital for persistent fever on May 29. His clinical features were compatible with viral meningitis.
He had recovered and was discharged on June 11. His home contacts were asymptomatic.
Culture of his cerebrospinal fluid yielded Echovirus type 30.
Echovirus is a type of EV and can also cause HFMD. Complications, which are rare, include meningitis and encephalitis.
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 1:49 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/Sunday, June 13, 2010
Issued at HKT 22:59
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