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    The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 17) reminded the public and management of childcare institutions to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent hand, foot and mouth disease.

    The CHP's Consultant (Community Medicine) Dr Thomas Tsang said the centre's surveillance indicated that the incidence of hand, foot and month disease had risen in Hong Kong over the past week.

    Reports of the disease were received from five of the 46 child-care centres under the surveillance system last week. Normally, an average of zero to two child-care centres are affected.

    Dr Tsang said during the week ending June 11, consultation rates for hand, foot and mouth disease among private doctors was 2 per 1,000 consultations compared with 1.1 per 1,000 consultations the week ending June 4.

    "There is a seasonal trend with most cases of hand, foot and mouth disease occurring between May to July," he added.

    Staff of child-care centres and kindergartens were reminded through health talks and letters in May to take precautionary measures.

    The CHP is closely monitoring the situation.  

    Hand, foot and mouth disease is a viral infection usually found among young children. It is characterised by fever, sores in the mouth and a rash with blisters. Blisters can also be found in the oral cavity, on the tongue and palate. Complications are rare.

    To prevent the disease, members of the public, including management of childcare institutions, should adopt the following measures:

* Wash hands before eating, after using toilets, handling nose or throat discharges, and changing nappies;

* Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing;

* Maintain good air circulation;

* Clean and wash shared toys properly;

* Keep children suffering from the infection at home until the illness is over;

* Parents are also advised to seek prompt medical attention if their children develop a high fever, decreased alertness or deterioration of their general condition.

Ends/Friday, June 17, 2005

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