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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 1) 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 mouth ulcer and blisters on feet and hands on May 26. He sought medical treatment from a private doctor without hospitalisation. He has recovered.
The boy has no recent travel history. His family members have no symptoms of EV-71. A four-year-old boy in the same kindergarten the boy attending has already been confirmed with infection of EV-71 on May 26. Thirteen other children in the same kindergarten, aged between three and six, were found to have hand-foot-mouth disease between May 5 and 30. One of them was admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital. They are all in stable condition.
The spokesman said as the disease was transmitted by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, it was essential that the public should stay alert to the threat of EV-71 infection and take the following preventive measures for 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.
This is the third case of EV-71 infection reported to CHP in 2007. There were 35, 8 and 16 cases of EV-71 infections reported in 2004, 2005 and 2006 respectively.
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/Friday, June 1, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:11
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