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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health confirmed a case of Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.
A CHP spokesman said today (November 4) that the case affected a 4-year-old boy living in Yuen Long. The boy developed fever on October 28. He was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital on October 29 and was discharged on November 3.
Laboratory results of his specimens yielded positive results for EV71 today.
CHP's investigation revealed that the boy had no travel history and his brother has hand, foot mouth disease symptoms. Investigation is on-going.
Five other children, comprising four boys and a girl aged from four to five of the day centre the boy attended, had similar HFMD symptoms between October 28 and November 3. they did not require hospitalisation.
The CHP has provided health advice to the school and is closely monitoring the situation.
A total of 88 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/Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:29
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