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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health confirmed today (February 11) that the 14-month-old boy who passed away at Caritas Medical Centre on February 6 was found to be enterovirus (EV) 71 positive. The boy was earlier suspected to have contracted influenza.
The boy, who had good past health, had presented with fever and cough since February 3. He was admitted to Caritas Medical Centre on February 5. His condition later deteriorated and he was certified dead on February 6.
Clinical specimens taken from the boy yielded negative results for influenza A and B by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch on February 9. Further results available today showed that the specimens tested positive for EV 71.
The case has been referred to the coroner.
Ends/Friday, February 11, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:03
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