2004-07-02
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (July 2) confirmed a case of Enterovirus-71 (EV-71) infection and urged the public to guard against the disease.
Details of the cases are as follow:
Age: 4
Sex: Female
Date of Onset: June 17, 2004
Symptom: fever, rash on limbs and oral lesions
Present condition: Recovered. No hospitalization required
Travel history: No recent travel history
Home Contacts: Asymptomatic
Other Contacts: The girl attended a child care centre in Yau Ma Tei where a total of 8 children (including the case, aged between 3 and 4) developed symptoms of Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease from June 9 to 17, 2004. All have recovered without hospitalization. None developed complications.
Cumulative Total in 2004: 18
* imported: 1
* local: 17
Total in previous years: 60 in 1998, 22 in 1999, 6 in 2000, 30 in 2001, 5 in 2002, 1 in 2003
A CHP spokesman said it is essential that the public stays 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 are advised to 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 CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
End/Friday, July 2, 2004