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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (July 17) investigating a case of enterovirus (EV) infection with meningitis complications involving a 4-month-old boy, and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.
The patient, with good past health, has presented with fever and mottled skin since July 9. He was admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital (PWH) on the same day and discharged on July 13. He has been in a stable condition all along.
His clinical diagnosis was aseptic meningitis. His cerebrospinal fluid specimen tested positive for EV after analysis by PWH.
Initial investigation revealed that his home contacts remained asymptomatic.
The CHP's investigation is ongoing.
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 EV 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, July 17, 2015
Issued at HKT 18:00
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