****************************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 3) called on people to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD).
The appeal followed an outbreak of HFMD at a secondary school in Sham Shui Po affecting 24 students aged 12 and 13.
Those affected, comprising 22 boys and two girls, have developed symptoms such as fever, rash or vesicles on their hands or feet since May 24. All of them sought medical consultation and no hospitalisation was required. Their current condition is stable.
Staff of the CHP have conducted a site visit and provided health advice to the staff. The school has been put under medical surveillance.
HFMD is a common disease in children and is usually caused by enteroviruses such as Coxsackie viruses and EV71.
To prevent HFMD, members of the public, and especially the management of institutions, should adopt the following measures:
* Maintain good air circulation;
* Wash hands before meals and after going to the toilet or handling diapers or other stool-soiled materials;
* Keep hands clean and wash hands properly, especially when they are dirtied by respiratory secretions, such as after sneezing;
* Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and oral discharges properly;
* 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.
The public may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/16354.html) for more information on HFMD and EV71 infection.
Ends/Monday, June 3, 2013
Issued at HKT 14:27
NNNN
