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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 19) confirmed a case of Enterovirus-71 (EV-71) infection affecting a seven-year-old girl and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.
EV-71 is a viral infection usually found among young children. It is also one of the causative agents for hand-foot-mouth disease.
The patient developed rash over her buttock and arm on April 13 but did not require hospitalisation. Laboratory tests on samples of rectal swab taken from her yielded positive result to EV-71 infection.
The girl visited the home of two brothers before onset of symptoms. The two brothers, aged two and 13, were confirmed to have infected with EV-71 on April 15 and 18 respectively.
A CHP spokesman said that as the infection was transmitted by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, people should be vigilant against the disease and observe the following preventive measures:
* Wash hands before eating and after going to toilet and changing diapers;
* Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing;
* Maintain good ventilation;
* Thoroughly clean toys or appliances which are contaminated by nasal or oral secretions.
Children suffering from the infection should stay at home and avoid contacting other children until they have recovered.
This is the sixth case of EV-71 infection reported to CHP this year. There were eight, 16 and 12 cases of EV-71 infections reported in 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively.
For more information, people may visit the CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
Ends/Saturday, April 19, 2008
Issued at HKT 22:18
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