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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (July 7) investigating a case of severe paediatric enterovirus (EV) 71 infection and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.
The patient is a 3-month-old baby boy with good past health. He has presented with fever and skin rash over limbs since June 30. He was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Princess Margaret Hospital on July 1 and again on July 2 for jerky movement over limbs and was admitted for management.
The clinical diagnosis at this stage was hand, foot and mouth disease complicated with meningitis and he has been in stable condition all along. His throat swab and stool specimen tested positive for EV71 upon testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.
Initial enquiries revealed that the baby lives in Fujian. His home contacts have remained asymptomatic. The CHP's investigation is ongoing.
A spokesman for the CHP said that as EV infection is transmitted by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, the public should be vigilant and observe the following preventive measures:
* Wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet and changing diapers;
* Cover the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing;
* Maintain good ventilation; and
* Thoroughly clean toys or appliances which are contaminated by nasal or oral secretions.
Children suffering from EV infection should stay at home and avoid contact with other children until they have recovered.
For more information, the public may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the DH's health education hotline (2833 0111).
Ends/Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Issued at HKT 17:57
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