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Case of severe paediatric enterovirus infection under CHP investigation
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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (June 4) investigating a case of severe paediatric enterovirus (EV) infection and hence urged the public to stay vigilant.

     The patient is an eight-year-old boy with good past health. He presented with fever, vomiting and headache since May 31. He was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Yan Chai Hospital on June 2 and was admitted on the same day. He was transferred to Princess Margaret Hospital for further management on June 3. He is now in stable condition.

     The clinical diagnosis was encephalitis. His cerebrospinal fluid was tested positive for enterovirus upon preliminary laboratory testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.

     Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient lives in Guangdong province and came to Hong Kong for medical consultation on June 2. His home contacts remained asymptomatic. The CHP investigation is continuing.

     A spokesman for the CHP said that as EV infection is transmitted by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, the public should remain vigilant 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, the public may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the DH's Health Education Hotline (2833 0111).

Ends/Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Issued at HKT 21:12

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