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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 2) 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: 18 months
Sex: Female
Symptom: fever, rash on hands, cough and runny nose
Date of onset August 21, 2006
Present condition: Recovered after consulting a private doctor. No hospitalization required.
Travel history: No recent travel history.
Others: Her family members do not have any symptoms. Her relative (Four-month-old baby boy) was confirmed EV-71 infection on August 29. He was discharged on August 30 and recovered.
Cumulative total of EV-71 cases in 2006: 13
*imported: 0
*local: 11 (including today's case)
*To be classified: 2
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 and 8 in 2005.
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;
* Clean thoroughly 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 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/Saturday, September 2, 2006
Issued at HKT 17:21
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