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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (May 9) confirmed a case of Enterovirus-71 (EV-71) infection involving a four-year-old girl.
A CHP spokesman said the kindergarten-cum-child care centre the girl attending in Tseung Kwan O is advised to suspend classes for two weeks starting tomorrow.
He said the school involved is AEFCHK-EFCC-Verbena Nursery school. A total of eight school children developed symptoms of Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (HFMD) between April 23 and May 5. They sought treatment from private doctors and none required hospitalization.
Among them, a four-year-old girl developed fever, oral ulcers and vesicles on hands and feet since May 2. Laboratory result of her stool specimens today confirmed EV71 infection.
CHP advised the school to suspend classes for two weeks for thorough cleansing and disinfection.
"This is a precautionary measure to prevent further spreading of disease in the school. CHP had conducted field visit and provided health instructions to the staff.
"CHP will keep a close watch on the situation. Parents are advised to pay attention to the health condition of their children, and to remind them to observe good personal and environmental hygiene."
Today's case is the 14th case of EV-71 infection reported to CHP so far this year. There were 35, 8, 16 and 12 cases in the years 2004, 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/Friday, May 9, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:16
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