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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 12) called on people to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD).
The appeal followed an outbreak of the disease in a secondary school in Kowloon City affecting 21 male students.
The affected students, aged between 12 and 13, have developed oral ulcers, vesicles and rash on hands or feet and fever since September 14.
Eighteen of them sought medical attention and none required hospitalisation. All the affected are in stable condition.
The CHP has put the institution under medical surveillance and provided health advice to the staff.
To prevent HFMD, members of the public, especially management of schools or institutions, 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 1:99 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, October 12, 2010
Issued at HKT 17:15
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