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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (July 16) investigating a case of severe paediatric enterovirus (EV) infection with meningitis complications affecting a 4-year-old boy, and hence urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.
The patient, with good past health, has presented with fever and headache since July 10 and was admitted to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital for treatment on July 11.
The clinical diagnosis was meningitis due to EV infection. He has been in stable condition all along.
His cerebrospinal fluid specimen tested positive for EV upon laboratory testing.
The boy had no recent travel history. His elder sister, who developed fever recently, has recovered.
The CHP's investigation is proceeding.
A CHP spokesman explained that as EV infections are transmitted by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, the public should stay vigilant against the disease and take heed of 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 infections should stay at home and avoid contacting other children until they have recovered.
The public may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) for more information on EV infections.
Ends/Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:47
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