In view of the increasing local activity of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 28) again urged the public and management of schools and institutions to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene.

     "HFMD occurs throughout the year and its activity is usually higher in the summer from May to July in Hong Kong. Our latest surveillance data show that the activity of HFMD and enterovirus (EV) 71 infection has increased in the past few weeks. As young children are more susceptible to both diseases, parents should stay alert to their health, particularly in the summer vacation, when attending play facilities such as ball pools," a spokesman for the CHP said.

     The number of institutional HFMD outbreaks recorded increased from six (affecting 18 persons) to 18 (53 persons) from the week of May 28 to that of June 18. As of yesterday (June 27), 10 outbreaks involving 33 persons had been reported this week. In the last four weeks, most outbreaks occurred in kindergartens and child care centres as well as primary schools.

     As for EV71 infection, zero to one case per week was recorded from May 28 to June 17, but five were recorded last week. As of yesterday, 24 cases (including one with severe complications) had been recorded this year. Last year, 38 cases including two with severe complications were recorded.

     Regarding severe paediatric EV infection other than EV71 and poliovirus, two cases had been recorded so far this year, compared with 11 last year.

     "We noted that HFMD activity in neighbouring areas such as Guangdong and Taiwan has also increased recently. Guangdong has entered into the peak season since late April. Parents travelling with their children in the summer vacation should pay special attention to personal and environmental hygiene while attending play facilities or having close contact with other children," the spokesman added.

     The CHP will issue letters to doctors, hospitals and schools today on the latest situation. Schools are reminded to follow the Guidelines on Prevention of Communicable Diseases on preventive and control measures as well as management of outbreaks, which should be reported to the CHP for prompt follow-up.

     Venues with play facilities should pay special attention to the CHP's Public Health Advice for Play Facilities on appropriate infection control in activities involving young children under six during the peak season.

     The CHP's Port Health Office has reinforced health advice to schools receiving cross-boundary students (CBS) and operators of cross-boundary school coaches in an earlier briefing on transportation arrangements for CBS held by the Education Bureau. Good ventilation and environmental hygiene inside compartments are essential in preventing infectious diseases.

     To prevent HFMD, members of the public, and especially the management of institutions, should take heed of the following preventive measures:
 

• Maintain good air circulation;
• Wash hands before meals and after going to the toilet or handling diapers or other stool-soiled materials;
• Keep hands clean and wash hands properly, especially when they are dirtied by respiratory secretions, such as after sneezing;
• Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and oral discharges properly;
• Clean children's toys and other objects thoroughly and frequently with diluted household bleach (by adding one part of household bleach containing 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite to 99 parts of water), 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;
• Avoid going to overcrowded places; and
• Parents should maintain close communication with schools to let them know the latest situation of the sick children.

     The public may visit the CHP's page on HFMD and EV71 infection for more information.

Ends/Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Issued at HKT 17:00

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