The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 27) confirmed a case of Enterovirus-71 (EV-71) infection and urged people to guard against the disease.

     Details of the case are as follows:

Age: 10
Sex: Female
Date of onset: April 21
Symptom: oral ulcers and rashes over hands and feet
Present condition: Recovered.
Travel history: Travelled to the Mainland earlier this month
Home contacts: Her parents were asymptomatic. Her seven-year-old brother was confirmed EV-71 on April 25. The primary school where they are studying did not have other cases and is being put under medical surveillance.

     Cumulative total of EV-71 cases in 2006: 2
* Imported: 0
* Local: 0
* To be classified: 2

     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, 35 in 2004 and 8 in 2005.

     A CHP spokesman said it was essential that people 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 baby 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.

Ends/Thursday, April 27, 2006
Issued at HKT 18:21

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