*******************************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (June 16) investigating a case of enterovirus (EV) infection with meningitis complication involving an 8-year-old boy, and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.
The patient, with good past health, has presented with fever, dizziness, vomiting and neck stiffness since June 10. He attended Union Hospital on June 11 and was referred to Prince of Wales Hospital (PWH) on the same day. He has been in stable condition all along.
His clinical diagnosis was meningitis. His cerebrospinal fluid and nasopharyngeal aspirate specimen tested positive for EV after analysis by PWH and the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the CHP respectively.
Initial investigation revealed that he is living and studying in Shenzhen. His home contacts remained asymptomatic.
The CHP's investigation is ongoing.
A spokesman for the CHP said that as EV infection is transmitted by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, the public should be vigilant and observe the following preventive measures:
* Wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet and changing diapers;
* Cover the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing;
* Maintain good ventilation; and
* Thoroughly clean toys or appliances which are contaminated by nasal or oral secretions.
Children suffering from EV infection should stay at home and avoid contact with other children until they have recovered.
For more information, the public may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the DH's health education hotline (2833 0111).
Ends/Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Issued at HKT 19:15
NNNN