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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health said today (June 15) that the seven-year-old boy at Kwong Wah Hospital who was clinically diagnosed as meningitis with hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) has been confirmed enterovirus (EV) 71 positive.
Latest laboratory result from the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Centre showed that the boy's throat and rectal swab specimen were positive for EV71.
The boy is now in stable condition.
CHP's investigation continues. The boy's school, St Patrick's School in Wong Tai Sin where an HFMD outbreak was reported on May 28, will continue to be closely monitored.
The spokesman reminded the public to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene during the current HFMD outbreaks and to adopt the following preventive 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/Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Issued at HKT 20:31
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