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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 21) investigating a case of severe paediatric enterovirus (EV) infection and urged the public to be vigilant against disease.
The case involves a 7-year-old girl with good past health. She has presented with fever, sore throat and headache since May 15. She had convulsion on May 16 and was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital on the same day. She was subsequently admitted for further management and is now in serious condition.
The clinical diagnosis was encephalitis. Her throat and nasal swabs tested positive for EV.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that she had no recent travel history. Her home contacts have remained asymptomatic.
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 contact with 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/Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Issued at HKT 19:09
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