The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 1) confirmed a case of Enterovirus-71 (EV-71) infection and urged the public to guard against the disease.  

     A spokesman for CHP said the patient was studying in a secondary school where a 15-year-old girl was confirmed to be suffering from EV-71 on May 26. Two boys, both aged 15, were confirmed to have the same disease on May 30.  

     Health advice has been offered to the school, which is now under medical surveillance. No other new case was found in the school. The last case had an onset of symptoms on May 22.

     Details of the cases are as follows:
Age: 15
Sex: Male
Date of onset: May 18
Symptom: vesicles over hands and feet with oral lesions
Present condition: stable without hospitalisation  
Travel history: No recent travel history
Home contact: Asymptomatic

     Cumulative total of EV-71 cases in 2006: 7
* imported: 0
* local: 5
* 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.

     The spokesman said it was essential that the public stay alert to the threat of EV-71 infection and take the following preventive measures:

* 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 and 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/Thursday, June 1, 2006
Issued at HKT 17:16

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