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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (August 26) called on the public to be vigilant against common communicable diseases in the new school year, and to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene.
"Although the numbers of outbreaks of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) and influenza-like illness (ILI) in child care centres (CCCs), kindergartens (KGs) and primary and secondary schools have declined during the summer vacation, outbreaks of HFMD, ILI, chickenpox and other infectious diseases may surge again after school resumes based on surveillance data of previous years," a spokesman for the CHP said.
HFMD is a common disease in children caused by enteroviruses such as Coxsackie viruses and enterovirus 71 (EV71). In 2014, the activity of HFMD increased in May and peaked in early June, and has been gradually declining since late June. Yet, a smaller winter peak might occur from October to December according to trends in the past few years.
Of note, as of mid-August this year, the number of cases of EV71 and severe paediatric enterovirus (SE) infections (other than EV71 and poliovirus) was higher than that in the same period last year. As of August 24, there were 59 EV71 infections (including 11 with severe complications) this year while six (including one with severe complication) were reported in the same period in 2013. For SE infections, 17 were recorded this year while five were filed in the same period last year. There were still about one to two cases of EV71 or SE infections per week in the past month.
Regarding chickenpox, the number of cases usually starts to rise in October and peaks in December and January seasonally. It may also cause a number of institutional outbreaks, mostly in CCCs and KGs.
Moreover, the CHP's routine surveillance revealed that 26 severe paediatric influenza-associated complications were reported this year as of August 24, including three deaths notably in the last winter influenza season, while 13 (no deaths) and 17 (two deaths) were recorded in 2013 and 2012 respectively.
"As influenza can cause serious illness in previously healthy persons, children should get vaccinated early to gain protection before the winter season. Eligible children aged between 6 months and less than 6 years, or 6 years old or above attending pre-primary institutions, can receive vaccination from enrolled doctors under the Childhood Influenza Vaccination Subsidy Scheme from October 6 with an increased subsidy this year. Parents can also consult family doctors for their children's vaccination," the spokesman explained.
To prevent outbreaks of diseases, children and pupils who develop skin rash, fever, ILI, diarrhoea or vomiting are strongly advised not to attend schools and institutions. They should promptly seek medical advice.
The CHP issued letters to KGs, CCCs and primary and secondary schools today to remind them of the necessary measures against outbreaks in schools and institutions. Managements may refer to the CHP's guidelines (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/guidelines_on_prevention_of_communicable_diseases_in_schools_kindergartens_kindergartens_cum_child_care-centres_child_are_centres.pdf) for details.
The public may visit the CHP's pages below for more disease information:
* HFMD and EV71 infection (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/16354.html);
* chickenpox (www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/24/15.html); and
* influenza (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/14843.html).
Ends/Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:16
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