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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 28) confirmed a case of Enterovirus-71 (EV-71) , a viral infection usually found among young children, and urged the public to guard against the disease.
A CHP spokesman said a three-year-old boy developed symptoms of fever, rash on limbs and oral ulcer on September 22, 2006. He was taken to consult a private doctor. No hospitalization was required. He is now in stable condition.
The boy has no recent travel history, and his home contacts are asymptomatic.
CHP has contacted the kindergarten he is attending in Causeway Bay and found six other children, including five boys and one girl aged from three to five years old, suffering from hand-foot-mouth disease. All of them sought medical treatment from private doctors. None require hospitalization and all are in stable condition. Onset date of the last case was September 27, 2006. CHP is closely monitoring the situation of the kindergarten.
The spokesman said as the disease was transmitted by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, 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.
Cumulative total of EV-71 cases in 2006: 14
* imported: 0
* local: 12 (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.
Ends/Thursday, September 28, 2006
Issued at HKT 18:35
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