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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a confirmed case of Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.
A CHP spokesman said today (November 5) that the case affected a 3-year-old boy living in Tuen Mun. The boy developed fever, cough, runny nose, vomiting and rash over hands and buttock on October 26. 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.
Eight other boys aged from three to 11 of the residential institution the boy had attended, developed similar HFMD symptoms between October 19 and November 15. They did not require hospitalization.
The CHP has provided health advice to the institution and is closely monitoring the situation.
A total of 89 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/Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Issued at HKT 20:18
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