The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (July 10) confirmed a case of Enterovirus-71 (EV-71) infection and urged the public to guard against the disease.

Details of the case are as follows:
Age: Nine months
Sex: Male
Date of onset: June 27
Symptoms: Fever, cough with sputum, signs of meningitis including neck stiffness and increased dullness.
Present condition: Being treated at Princess Margaret Hospital since June 30 and in stable condition.
Travel history: No recent travel history
Others: His five home contacts were asymptomatic.

Cumulative total of EV-71 cases in 2006: 11
* imported: 0
* local: 9
* 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 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 that are contaminated by nasal or oral secretions.

     Parents should seek medical advice if their children develop symptoms of hand, foot and 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/Monday, July 10, 2006
Issued at HKT 17:15

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