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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 21) urged members of the public to be vigilant against Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection following confirmation of one EV71 case involving a three-year-old boy.
The child developed fever, oral ulcer and rash over his hands and feet on August 18. He consulted the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital on August 20 and no hospitalisation was required. Laboratory results of both his throat swab and stool specimens yielded positive results for EV71.
CHP's investigation revealed that the boy had visited the Mainland between July 14 and August 19. His family members did not have similar symptoms.
A total of 79 EV71 infection cases have been reported to CHP so far this year. There were 35, eight, 16 and 12 cases in the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively.
For more information, the public may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education hotline 2833 0111.
Ends/Thursday, August 21, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:01
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