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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (July 31) investigating a case of Enterovirus 71 (EV71) infection with complication involving a girl aged 5, and urges the public to be vigilant against the disease.
The patient, with good past health, lives in Dongguan. She presented with fever, headache, vomiting, cough and runny nose since July 15, and developed left lower limb weakness since July 18. She was admitted to a local hospital on July 19 and discharged on July 20. She subsequently came to Hong Kong and was admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital on the same day. She was transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit on July 22. She is currently in stable condition.
Her clinical diagnosis was transverse myelitis. Her nasopharyngeal aspirate tested positive for EV71 after analysis by the PHLSB of the CHP. Her home contacts remain asymptomatic.
The investigations are continuing.
A CHP spokesman said that as the 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 contact with other children until they have recovered.
For more information, people may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
Ends/Thursday, July 31, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:43
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