The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (May 26) confirmed a case of Enterovirus-71 (EV-71) infection and urged the public to guard against the disease.

Details of the case are as follows:
Age: 15
Sex: Female
Date of onset: May 21
Symptom: vesicles over hands and feet with oral lesions
Present condition: stable without hospitalization.  
Travel history: No recent travel history
Others: Her home contacts were asymptomatic. DH has contacted her school and three other students were found to have hand-foot-mouth symptoms. They have been put under medical surveillance. Health advice has been offered to the school.

Cumulative total of EV-71 cases in 2006: 4
* imported: 0
* local: 2
* To be classified: 2

Total number of EV 71 cases in recent years: 60 in 1998, 22 in 1999, 6 in 2000, 30 in 2001, 5 in 2002, 1 in 2003, 35 in 2004 and 8 in 2005.

A CHP spokesman said it was essential that the public stay alert to the threat of EV-71 infection and take the following preventive measures in prevention of the disease:

* Wash hands before eating and after going to toilet and changing diapers;
* Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing;
* Maintain good ventilation;
* Clean thoroughly toys or appliances which are contaminated by nasal or oral secretions.

Parents should seek medical advice if their children develop symptoms of hand-foot-mouth disease.

Children suffering from the infection should stay at home and avoid contacting other children until the illness is over.

For more information, members of the public may visit the CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.

Ends/Friday, May 26, 2006
Issued at HKT 20:06

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