CHP investigates hand, foot and mouth disease outbreak in primary school in Kwai Tsing
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The 20 affected students, 10 boys and 10 girls aged from 6 to 10, have developed fever, rashes over hands and feet, and oral ulcers since September 24. All sought medical attention but none of them required hospitalisation. All of them have been in stable condition.
The stool specimen of one affected child tested positive for enterovirus upon laboratory testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.
Officers of the CHP conducted a site visit and advised the management on necessary infection control and preventive measures. The institution has been put under medical surveillance. Investigations are ongoing.
"HFMD is common in children while adult cases may also appear. It is usually caused by enteroviruses (EVs) such as Coxsackie virus and EV71. It is clinically characterised by maculopapular rashes or vesicular lesions occurring on the palms, soles and other parts of the body such as the buttocks and thighs. Vesicular lesions and ulcers may also be found in the oral cavity. Sometimes patients present mainly with painful ulcers at the back of the mouth, namely herpangina, without rash on the hands or feet," the spokesman said.
To prevent HFMD, members of the public, and especially the management of institutions, should take heed of the following preventive measures:
• Maintain good air circulation;
• Wash hands before meals and after going to the toilet or handling diapers or other stool-soiled materials;
• Keep hands clean and wash hands properly, especially when they are dirtied by respiratory secretions, such as after sneezing;
• Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and oral discharges properly;
• Clean children's toys and other objects thoroughly and frequently with diluted household bleach (by adding one part of household bleach containing 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite to 49 parts of water), followed by rinsing or wiping with clean water;
• Children who are ill should be kept out of school until their fever and rash have subsided and all the vesicles have dried and crusted;
• Avoid going to overcrowded places; and
• Parents should maintain close communication with schools to let them know the latest situation of the sick children.
The public may visit the CHP's page on HFMD and EV71 infection and Public Health Advice for Play Facilities for more information.
Ends/Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Issued at HKT 15:38
Issued at HKT 15:38
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