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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 30) 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-childcare centre in Tuen Mun affecting 17 children aged between 2 and 5 and three staff members aged between 26 and 32.
Those affected, comprising nine males and 11 females, have developed oral ulcers, fever, vesicles and rash on hands or feet since August 16.
All sought medical consultation. Two required hospitalisation and have already been discharged. All the affected persons are in a stable condition.
The stool specimens from two affected children tested positive for enterovirus.
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 mouth discharge properly;
* Clean children's toys and other objects thoroughly and frequently with 1:99 diluted household bleach, followed by rinsing or 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/Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Issued at HKT 16:25
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