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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (June 5) investigating two cases of severe paediatric enterovirus (EV) infection and hence urged the public to stay vigilant.
The first case involved a 2-month-old boy with good past health. He presented with fever and malaise since June 2. He was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital on June 3 and was admitted on the same day. He is now in stable condition.
The clinical diagnosis was encephalitis. His cerebrospinal fluid was tested positive for enterovirus upon preliminary laboratory testing by Prince of Wales Hospital.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. His home contacts remained asymptomatic. The CHP investigation is continuing.
The second case involved a 4-year-old boy with good past health. He presented with fever, cough, throat ulcer as well as rash and vesicles over hands and feet since May 20. He was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital on May 24 and was admitted on the same day. He was noted to have increased drowsiness and developed hypotonia on May 26. He is now in stable condition.
The clinical diagnosis was encephalitis. His throat swab tested positive for enterovirus 71 (EV71) upon preliminary laboratory testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. Three of his home contacts had recovered from hand, foot and mouth disease and the other 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/Thursday, June 5, 2014
Issued at HKT 20:09
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