CHP investigates suspected herpangina outbreak
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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (May 24) called on the public to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent herpangina.

     The appeal followed a suspected outbreak of the disease in a kindergarten cum child care centre in Cheung Chau affecting 26 children.

     The affected children, 17 boys and nine girls aged between two and six, developed fever, oral ulcers and vesicles from May 12.

     Twenty-three of them sought medical consultation. One of the children required hospitalisation and has been discharged. All the affected are currently in stable condition.

     Investigation continues.

     The CHP has put the institution under medical surveillance and provided health advice to the staff.

     To prevent herpangina, members of the public, especially management of institutions, should adopt the following measures:

*    Maintain good air circulation.
*    Wash hands before meals and after going to the toilet, handling diapers or other stool-soiled materials.
*    Keep hands clean and wash hands properly, especially when they are made dirty by respiratory secretions, such as after sneezing.
*    Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and mouth discharge properly.
*    Clean children's toys and other objects thoroughly and frequently with 1:99 diluted household bleach, followed by rinsing/wiping with clean water.
*    Children who are ill should be kept out of school until their fever, ulcers and vesicles have subsided.
*    Avoid going to overcrowded places.

Ends/Monday, May 24, 2010
Issued at HKT 19:43

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