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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has confirmed a case of Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.
A spokesman for the CHP said today (October 16) the case involved an 11-year-old girl, who developed fever, oral ulcers and rash over hands and feet on October 6. She consulted private doctors and was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on October 9. She was discharged on October 14.
Laboratory results of her specimens yielded positive results for EV71.
CHP's investigation revealed that she had no recent travel history and her home contacts are asymptomatic. The primary school she attends has no Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease outbreak.
A total of 85 EV71 infection cases have been reported to CHP so far this year. There were 35, eight, 16 and 12 cases in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively.
For more information, people may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
Ends/Thursday, October 16, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:01
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