****************************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (May 11) called on people to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD).
The appeal followed an outbreak of HFMD at a kindergarten-cum-child care centre in Yuen Long affecting 20 students aged between 2 and 5.
Those affected, comprising 11 boys and nine girls, have developed oral ulcers, fever and vesicles on their hands or feet since April 20.
None required hospitalisation. All affected children are in stable condition.
The stool specimen collected from an affected child tested positive for Coxsackie virus.
Staff of the CHP have conducted a site visit and provided health advice to the staff.
HFMD is a common disease in children and is usually caused by enteroviruses such as Coxsackie viruses and EV71.
To prevent HFMD, members of the public, especially management of institutions, 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 the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and oral 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, May 11, 2012
Issued at HKT 16:15
NNNN
