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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (August 7) investigating a case of severe paediatric enterovirus infection and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.
The case involves a one-month-old baby boy with good past health. He presented with fever, vomiting, facial rash and a declining general condition since August 3 and was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital the following day. His condition remains stable.
The clinical diagnosis was encephalitis. His cerebrospinal fluid sample and throat and nasopharyngeal swabs all tested positive for EV upon preliminary testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. His home contacts remain 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 be 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, August 7, 2014
Issued at HKT 14:46
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