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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (February 22) provided an update on its investigation into a paediatric death case.
"Further to liaison last night (February 21), we followed up with the private hospital concerned and the case will be referred to the Coroner's Court for further investigation," a spokesman for the CHP said.
The male patient, aged 4 with good past health, developed fever, cough, runny nose and abdominal pain since February 15. He was admitted to a private hospital on February 19 and was discharged after management on the same day. The boy then presented with shortness of breath and convulsion yesterday and was taken to the same private hospital for treatment but subsequently died on the same day.
His clinical diagnosis was myocarditis and his nasopharyngeal swab tested positive for enterovirus (EV) upon preliminary laboratory testing by the private hospital, pending further testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch. Investigations are ongoing.
The CHP's initial enquiries revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. His home contacts have remained asymptomatic.
"To date, no recent outbreaks of communicable disease have been detected in the kindergarten the patient attended," the spokesman added.
The spokesman 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/Monday, February 22, 2016
Issued at HKT 18:49
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