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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is closely monitoring the trend of hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) and enterovirus 71 (EV71) infections in the community and neighbouring areas and will update the public the latest situation on its website from today (May 9).
A CHP spokesman said the daily report would summarise situations in selected neighbouring areas where severe HFMD and EV71 outbreaks were detected.
"It will also contain information on suspected entervoirus infection with severe complications collected through an enhanced surveillance system jointly launched by DH, the Hospital Authority and private hospitals," the spokesman said.
The report also covers the latest local HFMD and EV71 situations. For surveillance purpose, statistics on HFMD outbreaks also include those with herpangina as they may share similar symptoms such as fever, sorethroat, and oral ulcers.
"Like HFMD, herpangina is caused by enterovirus, most commonly coxsackie virus and may also be caused by EV71, and is usually self-limiting. Severe complication is rare," he said.
"We hope that the daily report can enhance our communication with the public," the spokesman said.
The daily report can be downloaded at CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk). A mini-webpage containing health information on Prevention of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease has also been set up in the CHP website.
As Hong Kong is entering the traditional peak season of HFMD and EV71 outbreaks, the spokesman said that CHP would continue to carry out publicity in the coming weeks to keep people better informed.
He also reminded people to strictly observed personal and environmental hygiene to prevent infections.
Ends/Friday, May 9, 2008
Issued at HKT 20:56
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