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CHP investigates case of severe paediatric enterovirus 71 infection
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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (April 8) investigating a case of severe paediatric enterovirus (EV) 71 infection, and again urged the public and institutions to maintain strict hand, personal and environmental hygiene.

     The 1-month-old baby boy has presented with fever and cough since April 2. He was brought to the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Mary Hospital for treatment on April 5 and was subsequently transferred to Princess Margaret Hospital for admission on the same day. The clinical diagnosis is meningoencephalitis and the patient is now in stable condition.

     His rectal swab tested positive for enterovirus 71 upon laboratory testing.

     Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had been to Heyuan, Guangdong since end-February and returned to Hong Kong to seek medical attention on April 5. Among his home contacts, his elder sister aged 3 and a male relative aged 4 had been diagnosed with hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) but recovered after treatment. Other home contacts remain asymptomatic so far. Investigations are ongoing.

     "EV71 is one of the causative agents for HFMD. The infection is transmitted from person to person by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, saliva, fluid from blisters, or the stool of infected persons. Good personal and environmental hygiene are the most important measures to prevent EV71 infection," a spokesman for the CHP said.

     To prevent HFMD, members of the public, especially the management of institutions, should take heed of the following preventive measures:
 
* Maintain good air circulation;
* Wash hands before meals and after going to the toilet or handling diapers or other stool-soiled materials;
* Keep hands clean and wash hands properly, especially when they are dirtied by respiratory secretions, such as after sneezing;
* Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and oral discharges properly;
* Clean children's toys and other objects thoroughly and frequently with diluted household bleach (by adding one part of household bleach containing 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite to 49 parts of water), followed by rinsing or wiping with clean water;
* Children who are ill should be kept out of school until their fever and rash have subsided and all the vesicles have dried and crusted;
* Avoid going to overcrowded places; and
* Parents should maintain close communication with schools to let them know the latest situation of the sick children.

     The public may visit the CHP's page on hand, foot and mouth disease and EV71 infection for more information.
 
 
Ends/Saturday, April 8, 2017
Issued at HKT 21:31
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