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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has urged people to be vigilant against Enterovirus-71 (EV-71) infection following the confirmation today (June 4) of two cases by laboratory test.
A spokesman for the CHP said the cases involved two boys aged 1 and 8 respectively. Laboratory tests on their throat or stool samples collected earlier showed positive result to EV-71.
The 1-year-old boy developed fever, oral ulcers and vesicular rash over his hands and feet on May 29. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department (A&E) of Tuen Mun Hospital on May 29 and 30 and was admitted for further treatment on June 2. He was discharged today.
His 2-year-old sister also had symptoms of Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (HFMD). The nursery she attending reported an outbreak in which 10 children had contracted HFMD, with two of them being confirmed to have infected with EV-71.
The second case involved an 8-year-old boy. He developed oral ulcers and vesicular rash over hands and feet on June 1 and sought treatment from A&E of Tuen Mun Hospital the same day. No hospitalisation was required. He is now in stable condition.
The boy¡¦s 9-year-old sister also had symptoms of HFMD. No outbreak of HFMD was reported in the primary school they attended.
CHP's investigation is on-going.
There have been 45 cases of EV-71 infection reported to CHP so far this year. There were 35, eight, 16 and 12 cases in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively.
The spokesman said EV-71 was a viral infection usually found among young children. It is also one of the causative agents for HFMD.
He added that May to August was the usual peak season for HFMD and EV-71. The infection is transmitted by direct contact with nose and throat discharges. People should be vigilant against the disease and observe 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;
* Thoroughly clean toys or appliances which are contaminated by nasal or oral secretions.
Children suffering from the infection should stay at home and avoid contacting other children until they have recovered.
For more information and preventive measures, people may visit the CHP's website and the "HFMD and EV-71 Daily Situation Update" at http://www.chp.gov.hk or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
Ends/Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:30
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