The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (June 28) investigating a case of severe paediatric enterovirus (EV) 71 infection, and again urged the public and institutions to maintain strict hand, personal and environmental hygiene.

     A boy, aged 12 with underlying illness, has presented with fever, vomiting and dizziness since June 22. He was admitted to a private hospital for treatment on the same day and subsequently developed an episode of convulsion and loss of consciousness on June 25. The patient was transferred to Princess Margaret Hospital the next day and was admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit for further management yesterday (June 27). The patient is now in a stable condition.

     His throat swab specimen tested positive for EV71 upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was brainstem encephalitis.

     Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had no recent travel history and his home contacts remained asymptomatic. Investigations are ongoing.

     "EV71 is one of the causative agents for hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). The infection is transmitted from person to person by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, saliva, fluid from blisters, or the stool of infected persons. Good personal and environmental hygiene are the most important measures to prevent EV71 infection," a spokesman for the CHP said.

     To prevent HFMD, members of the public, 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 49 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 19:45

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