EV-71 update
************ The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 14) confirmed a case of Enterovirus-71 (EV-71) infection and urged the public to guard against the disease.
Details of the case are as follows:
Age: 6
Sex: Female
Date of onset: September 11
Symptom: oral ulcers and vesicles on upper limbs
Present condition: Stable at home
Travel history: No recent travel history.
Home contacts: Her parents were asymptomatic. Her three-year-old sister from a nursery of Ngau Tau Kok developed symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease on September 7. Six other children (3 boys and 3 girls aged from 2 to 5) of the same nursery were known to have hand, foot and mouth disease since August 24. All have recovered without hospitalisation. One was confirmed to be EV-71 - infection reported on September 9. No more new cases occurred in the nursery after September 9. CHP is closely monitoring the situation in the nursery.
Cumulative total of EV-71 cases in 2005: 7
* imported: 0
* local: 7
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:
* Wash hands before eating and after going to toilet and changing diapers;
* Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing;
* Maintain good ventilation;
* Clean thoroughly toys or appliances that are contaminated by nasal or oral secretions.
Parents should seek medical advice if their children develop symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease.
Children suffering from the infection should stay at home and avoid contacting other children until the illness is over.
For more information, members of the public 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 14) confirmed a case of Enterovirus-71 (EV-71) infection and urged the public to guard against the disease.
Details of the case are as follows:
Age: 6
Sex: Female
Date of onset: September 11
Symptom: oral ulcers and vesicles on upper limbs
Present condition: Stable at home
Travel history: No recent travel history.
Home contacts: Her parents were asymptomatic. Her three-year-old sister from a nursery of Ngau Tau Kok developed symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease on September 7. Six other children (3 boys and 3 girls aged from 2 to 5) of the same nursery were known to have hand, foot and mouth disease since August 24. All have recovered without hospitalisation. One was confirmed to be EV-71 - infection reported on September 9. No more new cases occurred in the nursery after September 9. CHP is closely monitoring the situation in the nursery.
Cumulative total of EV-71 cases in 2005: 7
* imported: 0
* local: 7
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:
* Wash hands before eating and after going to toilet and changing diapers;
* Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing;
* Maintain good ventilation;
* Clean thoroughly toys or appliances that are contaminated by nasal or oral secretions.
Parents should seek medical advice if their children develop symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease.
Children suffering from the infection should stay at home and avoid contacting other children until the illness is over.
For more information, members of the public may visit the CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
Ends/Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Issued at HKT 19:04
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