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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 28) investigating a case of enterovirus (EV) infection with meningitis complication involving a 4-month-old girl, and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.
The girl, with good past health, has presented with fever and poor feeding since May 26. She was admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital (PWH) on May 27. She has been in stable condition all along.
Her clinical diagnosis was EV infection complicated by meningitis. Her cerebrospinal fluid specimen tested positive for EV after analysis by PWH.
Initial investigation revealed that she had travelled to Hunan and Dongguan from May 16 to 27. Her home contacts remained asymptomatic.
The CHP's investigation is 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.
Children suffering from EV infection should stay at home and avoid contact with other children until they have recovered.
For more information, the public may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the DH's health education hotline (2833 0111).
Ends/Thursday, May 28, 2015
Issued at HKT 19:37
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