EV-71 Update
************ The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 9) confirmed a case of Enterovirus-71 (EV-71) infection and urged the public to guard against the disease.
Details of the case are as follow:
Age: 3
Sex: Female
Date of onset: September 2
Symptom: oral ulcers and vesicles on upper limbs
Present condition: Recovered
Travel history: No recent travel history.
Home contacts: Her parents were asymptomatic.
Others: CHP's investigation revealed that the patient is attending a nursery in Ngau Tau Kok. Six children (three boys and three girls aged from 2 to 5, including the patient) of the nursery developed symptoms of hand-foot-mouth disease between August 24 and September 4. All of them are in stable condition without hospitalisation. CHP is closely monitoring the situation in the nursery.
Cumulative total of EV-71 cases in 2005: 6
*imported: 0
*local: 6
Total number of EV 71 cases in recent years: 60 in 1998, 22 in 1999, 6 in 2000, 30 in 2001, 5 in 2002, 1 in 2003, 35 in 2004.
A CHP spokesman said it was essential that the public stay alert to the threat of EV-71 infection and take the following preventive measures in prevention of the disease:
* Wash hands before eating and after going to toilet and changing diapers;
* Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing;
* Maintain good ventilation;
* Thoroughly clean toys or appliances which are contaminated by nasal or oral secretions.
Parents should seek medical advice if their children develop symptoms of hand-foot-mouth disease.
Children suffering from the infection should stay at home and avoid contact with other children until the illness is over.
For more information, people may visit the CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
************ The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 9) confirmed a case of Enterovirus-71 (EV-71) infection and urged the public to guard against the disease.
Details of the case are as follow:
Age: 3
Sex: Female
Date of onset: September 2
Symptom: oral ulcers and vesicles on upper limbs
Present condition: Recovered
Travel history: No recent travel history.
Home contacts: Her parents were asymptomatic.
Others: CHP's investigation revealed that the patient is attending a nursery in Ngau Tau Kok. Six children (three boys and three girls aged from 2 to 5, including the patient) of the nursery developed symptoms of hand-foot-mouth disease between August 24 and September 4. All of them are in stable condition without hospitalisation. CHP is closely monitoring the situation in the nursery.
Cumulative total of EV-71 cases in 2005: 6
*imported: 0
*local: 6
Total number of EV 71 cases in recent years: 60 in 1998, 22 in 1999, 6 in 2000, 30 in 2001, 5 in 2002, 1 in 2003, 35 in 2004.
A CHP spokesman said it was essential that the public stay alert to the threat of EV-71 infection and take the following preventive measures in prevention of the disease:
* Wash hands before eating and after going to toilet and changing diapers;
* Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing;
* Maintain good ventilation;
* Thoroughly clean toys or appliances which are contaminated by nasal or oral secretions.
Parents should seek medical advice if their children develop symptoms of hand-foot-mouth disease.
Children suffering from the infection should stay at home and avoid contact with other children until the illness is over.
For more information, people may visit the CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
Ends/Friday, September 9, 2005
Issued at HKT 18:12
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