CHP investigates case of severe paediatric enterovirus infection
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The case involves a one-month-old baby boy with good past health, who has presented with fever since March 28. He was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Tseung Kwan O Hospital on the same day and was admitted for management. The patient has been in a stable condition.
His cerebrospinal fluid specimen tested positive for EV upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis were meningitis and encephalitis.
Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. His elder sister had developed fever recently. She did not seek medical attention and had recovered. Other home contacts have remained asymptomatic so far. 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.
The public may visit the CHP's page on hand, foot and mouth disease and EV71 infection for more information.
Ends/Saturday, March 30, 2019
Issued at HKT 19:01
Issued at HKT 19:01
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