CHP investigates case of severe paediatric enterovirus infection
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The case involves a 2-month-old baby girl with good past health, who has presented with fever since November 20. She was admitted to Tseung Kwan O Hospital for medical treatment on the same day, and remained in a stable condition until being discharged on November 27.
Her cerebrospinal fluid specimen and rectal swab tested positive for Coxsackie virus group B type 1 and EV respectively upon laboratory testing. In addition, her nasopharyngeal and throat swabs tested positive for EV/rhinovirus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was meningitis.
Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had no travel history. Her elder sister had recent fever and diarrhoea but has already recovered; other home contacts remain asymptomatic so far. 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/Monday, December 4, 2017
Issued at HKT 17:00
Issued at HKT 17:00
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