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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health called on people to guard against Enterovirus-71 (EV-71) following the confirmation today (June 20) of a case involving a five-year-old boy.
EV-71 is a viral infection usually found among young children. It is also one of the causative agents for hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD).
A CHP spokesman said the boy developed HFMD symptoms including rash over hands and feet and mouth ulcer on June 2. He was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on June 3 for management and discharged on June 6. Laboratory results of samples collected from the boy were positive for EV-71.
The boy travelled to the Mainland in May. His sister developed similar symptoms but had recovered without seeking medical treatment. CHP has contacted the kindergarten the boy attends and found no other cases in the school.
The spokesman said that as HFMD was transmitted by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, people should be vigilant against the disease and should observe the following preventive measures:
* Wash hands before eating and after going to toilet or 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 contacting other children until the illness is over.
This is the sixth 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, people may visit the CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
Ends/Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:26
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