CHP investigates case of severe paediatric enterovirus infection
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The eight-day-old baby girl with good past health has presented with fever since October 3. She was brought to the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital (KWH) on October 3 and was admitted on the same day. Her condition deteriorated and was subsequently transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) on October 5. The clinical diagnosis was severe enterovirus infection complicated with myocarditis and meningitis. The patient is now in critical condition.
She was transferred to the PICU of Queen Mary Hospital on October 5 for further management.
Her cerebrospinal fluid specimen tested positive for enterovirus (non EV71) upon testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.
Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had no travel history. Her twin sister developed fever on October 3 and is currently hospitalised in KWH's PICU. The clinical diagnosis was myocarditis and meningitis. Her condition was serious. Other home contacts remained asymptomatic. Investigations are 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.
The public may visit the CHP's page on hand, foot and mouth disease and EV71 infection for more information.
Ends/Friday, October 7, 2016
Issued at HKT 20:30
Issued at HKT 20:30
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