***********************************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (June 29) investigating a case of enterovirus (EV) infection with meningitis complications involving a 3-month-old baby girl, and urges the public to be vigilant against the disease.
The girl lives in Shatin. She presented with fever on June 21 and was admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital on the same day.
The clinical diagnosis was meningitis due to EV infection. Her condition has been stable all along.
Her cerebrospinal fluid and rectal swabs specimens tested positive for EV.
The girl visited Guangzhou with her mother from June 10 to 16. Her home contacts are all asymptomatic.
The CHP's investigation is continuing.
A CHP spokesman said that as the infection is transmitted by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, the public should be vigilant against the disease and observe the following preventive measures:
* Wash hands before eating and after going to toilet and changing diapers;
* Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing;
* Maintain good ventilation; and
* Thoroughly clean toys or appliances which are contaminated by nasal or oral secretions.
Children suffering from the infection should stay at home and avoid contacting other children until they have recovered.
For more information, people may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
Ends/Friday, June 29, 2012
Issued at HKT 14:54
NNNN
