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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (July 15) investigating a case of severe paediatric enterovirus (EV) infection with meningitis complications affecting a 3-month-old boy, and hence urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.
The patient, with good past health, has presented with fever and runny nose since June 27 and was admitted to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital on June 30. He recovered and was discharged on July 8.
The clinical diagnosis was meningitis due to EV infection. He has been in stable condition all along.
His cerebrospinal fluid, throat and rectal swab specimens tested positive for EV upon laboratory testing.
The boy travelled to Zhongshan from June 21 to June 24. His elder brother, who developed fever recently, has recovered.
The CHP's investigation is proceeding.
A CHP spokesman explained that as EV infections are transmitted by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, the public should stay vigilant against the disease and take heed of the following preventive measures:
* Wash hands before eating and after going to the 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 EV infections should stay at home and avoid contacting other children until they have recovered.
The public may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) for more information on EV infections.
Ends/Monday, July 15, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:17
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