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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 17) called on members of the public to take preventive measures against hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) as there was a recent increase in the number of outbreaks occurring in child care centre, kindergartens and schools.
A CHP spokesman said a total of eight hand, foot and mouth disease outbreaks affecting 33 people in these institutions had been reported to the CHP so far this month.
This showed an increase compared with the number of outbreaks during the non peak season when two to seven reports were received by the CHP on a monthly basis, the spokesman said.
Noting that HFMD occurred throughout the year with the usual seasonal peak from May to July, the spokesman said an increase from October to December was also noted in the past two years.
"Although there has been no obvious increase in HFMD activity in the CHP's surveillance systems including the sentinel surveillance system among general practitioners, general out-patient clinics and child care centres, we will closely monitor the situation," the spokesman said.
HFMD is a common childhood infectious disease. The main symptoms are fever, sore throat, skin rash over hands and feet, and blisters in the mouth, and on the tongue and palate.
The disease is mainly transmitted by the faecal-oral route. Direct contact with open and weeping blisters on the skin may also spread the virus.
In most cases, the fever, rash and ulcers subside in a week and full recovery is usual. Complications are uncommon.
To prevent HFMD, members of the public should observe the following measures:
* Maintain good circulation;
* Wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet and changing nappies;
* Never share personal items such as towels and eating utensils;
* Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, furniture and toilets regularly with diluted household bleach (1 part bleach to 99 parts water);
* Disinfect toys/places that are contaminated by secretions or excreta with diluted household bleach (1 part bleach to 49 parts water);
* Parents should seek medical advice if their children develop symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease;
* Children suffering from hand, foot and mouth disease should stay at home and avoid contact with other children until the illness has passed.
For more advice on the prevention of hand, foot and mouth disease, members of the public may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Unit hotline 2833 0111.
Ends/Friday, October 17, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:01
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