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Yuen Long Church (CCC) Chan Kwong No. 2 Kindergarten has been advised by the Department of Health's Centre for Health Protection (CHP) to suspend classes from tomorrow (January 25) for two weeks until February 7 following an outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) affecting four pupils.
Three girls and one boy, all three years of age, developed symptoms of HFMD since January 6. All of them sought medical treatment. No hospitalisation was required. They are now in stable condition.
The stool samples of two affected students tested positive for enterovirus 71 (EV71).
The school management has stepped up cleaning measures according to CHP's advice following their visit on January 13. As one more student was today 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 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/Monday, January 24, 2011
Issued at HKT 19:06
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