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Two cases of severe paediatric enterovirus infection
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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (July 10) investigated two cases of severe paediatric enterovirus (EV) infection affecting a five-year-old girl and a 39-day-old baby boy, and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.

     In the first case, the girl lives in Mainland China. She presented with fever, headache and neck stiffness on July 1. She travelled to Hong Kong for treatment on July 4 and was admitted to Hong Kong Adventist Hospital the same day.

     The clinical diagnosis was meningitis due to EV infection. Her condition is stable. Her cerebrospinal fluid specimen tested positive for EV.

     The girl's elder brothers also had symptoms and sought medical consultation. Other home contacts were asymptomatic.

     As regards the second case, the baby boy also lives in Mainland China. He had fever on July 4, travelled to Hong Kong for treatment on July 5 and was admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital the same day. His cerebrospinal fluid specimen tested positive for EV while his rectal swab tested positive for Coxsackie virus.

     The boy's condition has been stable throughout. His home contacts did not have symptoms.

     The CHP investigation continues.

     A CHP spokesman said that as EV 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 website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.

Ends/Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:47

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