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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 18) called on people to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) following an investigation into a HFMD case with neurological complications.
The patient is a four-year-old girl who presented with fever, rash over her limbs, sore throat and cough on June 16. On June 17, she developed a headache and was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital. She is in the Intensive Care Unit and is in serious condition. Her clinical picture was compatible with aseptic meningitis.
The throat and rectal swabs of the patient tested positive for enterovirus. Further tests are being conducted.
The CHP noted that the kindergarten the girl attended had no recent HFMD outbreak.
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/Friday, June 18, 2010
Issued at HKT 19:32
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