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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (July 11) investigating a case of Enterovirus 71 (EV71) infection with meningitis complication involving a 15-year-old girl, and urges the public to be vigilant against the disease.
The girl, with good past health, presented with fever, headache and vomiting since June 24. She attended the Accident and Emergency Department of North District Hospital on June 27 and was transferred to the paediatric ward of Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital on the same day.
Her clinical diagnosis was meningitis. She recovered and was discharged on July 7.
Her throat swab and rectal swab specimens tested positive for EV71 after analysis by the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the CHP.
Initial investigation revealed that she had no recent travel history. Her home contacts remain asymptomatic.
The investigation is continuing.
A CHP spokesman said that as the 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's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
Ends/Friday, July 11, 2014
Issued at HKT 16:20
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