2004-09-27
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 27) confirmed a case of Enterovirus-71 (EV-71) infection and urged the public to guard against the disease.
Details of the case are as follow:
Age:2
Sex:Female
Date of onset: September 11, 2004
Symptom: fever, oral vesicle, malaise, lower limb weakness
Present condition: stable (admitted to Queen Mary Hospital since September 18)
Travel history: No recent travel history
Home contacts: Asymptomatic
Other: Her cousin, a 21-month-old boy, developed fever, cough and vomiting on September 9 and was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital on September 11. He had recovered and was discharged on September 14. Further test results are pending.
Cumulative total of EV-71 cases in 2004: 33
*imported: 1
*local: 32
Total number of EV 71 cases in recent years: 60 in 1998, 22 in 1999, 6 in 2000, 30 in 2001, 5 in 2002, 1 in 2003.
A CHP spokesman said it was essential that the public stay alert to the threat of EV-71 infection and take the following preventive measures in prevention of the disease:
* Wash hands before eating and after going to toilet and changing diapers.
* Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
* Maintain good ventilation.
* Clean thoroughly toys or appliances which are contaminated by nasal or oral secretions.
* Parents should seek medical advice if their children develop symptoms of hand-foot-mouth disease.
* Children suffering from the infection should stay at home and avoid contacting other children until the illness is over.
For more information, members of the public may visit the CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
End/Monday, September 27, 2004