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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health received a report involving a three-year-old boy under the surveillance arrangement set up by CHP and private and public hospitals concerning suspected influenza and enterovirus infections with severe complications. The boy died today (May 26).
The boy had an underlying medical condition and developed fever and rash over his hands and feet on May 22. He was admitted to UCH in a deteriorating condition on May 24 and died with encephalitis today.
Initial investigations revealed that the boy had no recent travel history and the nursery he attended did not have an outbreak of similar symptoms. The family members of the boy had no symptoms as well.
A CHP spokesman said that the nasopharyngeal aspirates taken from the boy showed a positive result for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and all of his specimens were so far negative for influenza A, influenza B and enterovirus including EV71.
"RSV is a common cause of respiratory tract infection. Common symptoms include fever, chills, headache and decreased appetite," the spokesman said.
The disease is spread by direct contact with infectious secretions. The incubation period is one to 10 days and is usually five to seven days.
To prevent respiratory tract infection, members of the public are advised to take the following measures:
* Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene;
* Keep hands clean and wash hands properly;
* Wash hands when they are contaminated by respiratory secretions;
* Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and mouth discharge properly;
* Infected persons should avoid contact with children or those with low body resistance.
Ends/Monday, May 26, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:00
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