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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 26) that the case involved a 4-year-old boy who developed fever and oral ulcers on November 18. He sought medical treatment from a doctor and did not require hospitalisation. He is now in stable condition.
His stool specimen was tested positive for EV71.
Four other children in the nursery the boy attended had developed Hand Foot Mouth Disease (HFMD) symptoms since November 14. All of them sought medical treatment from private doctors. No hospitalisation was needed. There was no new case of HFMD after November 24.
A total of 98 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, the public may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
Ends/Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:56
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