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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (June 17) investigating a case of severe paediatric enterovirus (EV) infection and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.
The case involved a 5-year-old boy with underlying illness. He presented with fever, headache and drowsiness since June 8 and vomiting since June 11. He was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital on June 11, and was admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit on the same day. He is now in serious condition.
The clinical diagnosis was meningoencephalitis. His rectal swab tested positive for EV upon preliminary laboratory testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that patient lives in the Mainland. His home contacts have 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/Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Issued at HKT 20:27
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