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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (August 8) investigating two cases of severe paediatric enterovirus infection and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.
The first case involves an 11-year-old boy with good past health. The patient presented with fever and headache on July 31. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital for vomiting, photophobia and neck stiffness on August 5 and was admitted on the same day. His current condition is stable.
The clinical diagnosis was meningitis. His lumbar puncture specimen and throat swab tested positive for EV upon preliminary testing by Prince of Wales Hospital.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had travelled to Qingyuan, Guangdong, between July 22 and 31. His home contacts remain asymptomatic.
The other case involves a 3-year-old boy with good past health. The patient presented with fever as well as rash over the hands and feet since July 31. He was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital for right leg weakness on August 4 and was admitted on the same day. He is now in stable condition.
The clinical diagnosis was transverse myelitis. His rectal swab tested positive for EV71 upon preliminary testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that he 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/Friday, August 8, 2014
Issued at HKT 19:53
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