CHP investigates case of severe paediatric enterovirus infection
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The case involves a 1-month-old baby boy with good past health, who has presented with fever since June 21. He is staying at Kwong Wah Hospital in a stable condition.
His cerebrospinal fluid specimen tested positive for EV upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was meningitis.
Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. His mother had upper respiratory tract infection symptoms recently and is in a stable condition. His father was asymptomatic. Investigations 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/Friday, June 29, 2018
Issued at HKT 17:30
Issued at HKT 17:30
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