****************************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a suspected fatal case of enterovirus infection involving a 4-year-old boy.
The boy, with good past health, developed fever, runny nose and cough since June 10. His condition deteriorated rapidly and he was found collapsed in bed at his home in the late evening on June 10. On the same evening, he was brought to the Accident and Emergency Department of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital where he was certified dead in the early morning on June 11.
A nasopharyngeal swab and endotracheal tube aspirate taken from the boy tested positive for enterovirus.
The boy had no recent travel history. His parents were asymptomatic. He studied at a kindergarten in Chai Wan and there is no recent outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease in the school.
The CHP's investigation continues. The cause of the boy's death is under investigation by the Coroner.
This is the first suspected fatal case of enterovirus infection reported to the CHP this year. The CHP recorded one fatal case each year from 2009 to 2011.
Ends/Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Issued at HKT 19:08
NNNN
