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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 10) investigating a case of severe paediatric enterovirus (EV) infection and urged the public to be vigilant against disease.
The case involved a four-month-old baby girl with good past health. She presented with fever since May 4. She was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Yan Chai Hospital on May 5 and was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital for further management on the same day. She is now in stable condition.
The clinical diagnosis was meningitis. Her cerebrospinal fluid specimen tested positive for EV.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the baby girl had travelled to Guangdong and returned to Hong Kong on May 4. Her home contacts remained asymptomatic so far.
The CHP investigation is continuing.
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 the toilet and changing diapers;
* Cover the 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/Saturday, May 10, 2014
Issued at HKT 12:56
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