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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (August 13) investigating a case of severe paediatric enterovirus (EV) infection and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.
The 20-day-old baby boy, with good past health, has developed fever and decreased appetite since August 10. He was taken to Kwong Wah Hospital and was admitted on the same day for further management.
His clinical diagnosis was meningitis and he has been in stable condition all along.
The patient's cerebrospinal fluid sample tested positive for EV 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. His two cousins who had fever recently have sought medical attention and recovered while his father who recently had upper respiratory infection symptoms has also sought medical consultation. The remaining home contacts are asymptomatic.
The CHP's investigation is proceeding.
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/Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Issued at HKT 15:41
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