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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 18) investigated a case of severe paediatric enterovirus (EV) infection and urged the public to be vigilant against disease.
The case involved a 2-month-old baby boy with good past health. He presented with fever since November 13. He was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Mary Hospital on the same day and was admitted for further management. He is now in stable condition.
The clinical diagnosis was EV-associated encephalitis. His cerebrospinal fluid specimen tested positive for EV.
The baby boy had no travel history. His parents remained asymptomatic. His 3-year-old brother presented with fever and vesicles on the hands since October 29. He attended medical consultation and was diagnosed as having hand, foot and mouth disease. He was stable all along.
The CHP investigation is continuing.
A CHP spokesman said that as EV infection is transmitted by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, the public should be vigilant against the disease and observe the following preventive measures:
* Wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet and changing diapers;
* Cover the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing;
* Maintain good ventilation; and
* Thoroughly clean toys or appliances which are contaminated by nasal or oral secretions.
Children suffering from the infection should stay at home and avoid contacting other children until they have recovered.
For more information, people may visit the CHP website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
Ends/Monday, November 18, 2013
Issued at HKT 16:40
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