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Ka Fuk Baptist Church Pre-school in Fanling has been advised to suspend classes from tomorrow (June 24) for two weeks until July 7 following an investigation by the Department of Health's Centre for Health Protection (CHP) into a hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) outbreak at the school affecting 12 pupils.
From May 24, five boys and seven girls aged between two and five developed symptoms of HFMD. All of them sought medical treatment.
They are now in stable condition and no hospitalisation was required.
The stool samples of two girls aged two and five tested positive for enterovirus 71.
The school management has stepped up cleaning measures according to CHP's advice following their visits on June 1 and 14. As one more student was today (June 23) reported to be affected with HFMD, the school was advised to suspend classes for thorough disinfection.
A CHP 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 indoor 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/Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Issued at HKT 19:05
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