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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (November 28) investigating a case of severe paediatric enterovirus (EV) infection and hence urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.
The patient is a two-month-old baby girl with good past health who has presented with fever and irritability since November 23. She was admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital (PWH) on November 24 for further management.
The clinical diagnosis was meningitis. She is now in a clinically in stable condition.
Her cerebrospinal fluid specimen and rectal swab tested positive for EV upon preliminary laboratory testing by PWH.
Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. Her elder brother, who has had mild respiratory symptoms, is recovering.
The CHP's investigation is proceeding.
A spokesman for the CHP said that as EV infection is transmitted by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, the public should be vigilant 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, the public may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the DH's health education hotline (2833 0111).
Ends/Friday, November 28, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:53
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