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CHP investigates two cases of severe paediatric enterovirus infection
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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (October 10) investigating two cases of severe paediatric enterovirus (EV) infection, and again urged the public and institutions to maintain strict hand, personal and environmental hygiene.

     The first case involves a three-year-old boy with good past health, who has presented with fever, headache, cough, runny nose, sore throat and upper limb weakness since September 18. He was admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital for medical treatment on September 26.
 
     His stool specimen tested positive for EV upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was transverse myelitis. The patient is now in a stable condition.

     Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had no travel history and his home contacts remain asymptomatic so far.

     The second case involves a 27-day-old baby girl with good past health, who has presented with fever and skin rash since October 5. She was admitted to Queen Mary Hospital for medical treatment on the same day. The patient has all along been in a stable condition and was discharged on October 9.

     Her cerebrospinal fluid specimen tested positive for EV upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was meningitis.

     Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had no travel history. Her mother and three-year-old brother were recently diagnosed with hand, foot and mouth disease. Both sought medical attention and have recovered.
 
     The CHP's investigations into both cases are 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.

     The public may visit the CHP's page on hand, foot and mouth disease and EV71 infection for more information.
 
Ends/Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Issued at HKT 17:15
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