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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has repeated its call for vigilance against hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) after a report of enteroviral meningitis was received today (April 13).
The patient is a 10-year-old girl who developed fever, vomiting, headache and photophobia on March 27. She was admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital the next day. The clinical diagnosis was viral meningitis.
The girl was discharged from hospital on April 5. The cerebrospinal fluid tested positive for enterovirus and negative for enterovirus 71.
Investigation continues.
HFMD is a common disease in children caused by enteroviruses such as coxsackieviruses and enterovirus 71. The spokesman called on the public to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent HFMD. They should adopt the following measures:
* Maintain good air circulation;
* Wash hands before meals and after going to the toilet, handling diapers or other stool soiled materials;
* Keep hands clean and wash hands properly, especially when they are made dirty by respiratory secretions, such as after sneezing;
* Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and mouth discharge properly;
* Clean children's toys and other objects thoroughly and frequently with diluted household bleach (by adding one part of household bleach containing 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite to 49 parts of water), followed by rinsing/wiping with clean water;
* Children who are ill should be kept out of school until their fever and rash have subsided and all the vesicles have dried and crusted; and
* Avoid going to overcrowded places.
Ends/Friday, April 13, 2012
Issued at HKT 19:22
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