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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (March 27) investigating a case of severe paediatric enterovirus (EV) infection and hence urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.
The patient is a 42-day-old baby girl with good past health who has presented with fever since March 14. She attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Princess Margaret Hospital on the same day and was subsequently admitted for further management.
Her clinical diagnosis was meningitis. She was stable for discharge on March 18.
Her cerebrospinal fluid specimen and rectal swab tested positive for EV upon laboratory testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.
Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. Her home contacts remain 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/Friday, March 27, 2015
Issued at HKT 18:51
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