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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 9) investigating a severe case of enterovirus (EV) infection involving a 21-month-old boy, and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.
The patient, with good past health, has presented with fever and convulsion since September 1. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Mary Hospital and was admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit on the same day for further management. He has been in a stable condition all along and was discharged on September 6.
His clinical diagnosis was atypical febrile convulsion caused by enterovirus infection. His cerebrospinal fluid specimen tested positive for EV after analysis by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.
Initial investigation revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. 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/Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Issued at HKT 16:37
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