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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (May 20) confirmed two cases of Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection involving two girls aged four and one respectively.
The first case involved a four-year-old girl who developed fever, oral ulcers and vesicles over hands and feet on May 18. She was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on the same day and is now in serious condition. Laboratory result of her stool and throat specimens confirmed EV71 infection.
The kindergarten-cum-child care centre she attending had no outbreak of hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD). Her six-year-old sister was also contracted HFMD. She was one of the six cases in a confirmed HFMD outbreak related to EV71 in a primary school in Yuen Long.
CHP has advised both schools to step up disinfection and will closely monitor the health condition of the other children in these two schools.
The second case involved a one-year-old girl who lives in Shenzhen. She had fever on May 15 and was admitted to Tsuen Wan Adventist Hospital the next day. She was discharged yesterday. Laboratory result of her stool sample confirmed EV71 infection.
Twenty-four cases of EV-71 infection have been reported to CHP so far this year. There were 35, eight, 16 and 12 cases in the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively.
EV-71 is a viral infection usually found among young children. It is also one of the causative agents for hand-foot-mouth disease.
A CHP spokesman said that May to August was the usual peak season for HFMD and EV71. The infection is transmitted by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, people should be vigilant against the disease and observe the following preventive measures:
* Wash hands before eating and after going to toilet and changing diapers;
* Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing;
* Maintain good ventilation;
* 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's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
Ends/Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:46
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