The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (April 6) investigating a case of severe paediatric enterovirus (EV) infection, and again urged the public and institutions to maintain strict hand, personal and environmental hygiene.
 
     The 6-day-old baby boy with good health has presented with jaundice and fever since yesterday (April 5). He was admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital on the same day and was transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for further management. The clinical diagnosis was meningitis and the patient is now in stable condition.
 
     His cerebrospinal fluid specimen tested positive for enterovirus upon laboratory testing.
 
      Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had no travel history and his home contacts remain asymptomatic so far. Investigations are ongoing.
 
      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 EV infection should stay at home and avoid contact with other children until they have recovered.
 
     The public may visit the CHP's page on hand, foot and mouth disease and EV71 infection for more information.

Ends/Thursday, April 6, 2017
Issued at HKT 18:57

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