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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (July 20) called on people to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD).
The appeal followed a suspected outbreak of the disease in a kindergarten cum child care centre in Sham Shui Po affecting 20 children aged between 2 and 6.
The affected, comprising nine males and 11 females, developed oral ulcers, vesicles and rash on hands or feet since June 24.
All of them sought medical consultation. One of them required hospitalisation but has already been discharged. All the affected children are in stable condition.
Laboratory tests on a stool sample from one affected student tested negative for enterovirus.
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 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 or 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, July 20, 2011
Issued at HKT 16:42
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