A case of EV71 under investigation

3 Jul 2008

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health confirmed a case of Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.

A spokesman for the CHP said today (July 3) the case affected a one-year-old girl who developed fever, oral ulcers and blisters on hands and elbow on June 28. She attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital and required no hospitalization.

Laboratory tests on her sample collected earlier showed positive result to EV71.

There are 69 cases of EV71 infection reported to CHP so far this year. There were 35, 8, 16 and 12 cases in the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively.

EV71 is a viral infection usually found among young children. It is also one of the causative agents for HFMD.

A CHP spokesman said that May to August was the usual peak season for HFMD and EV71. The infection is transmitted by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, people should be vigilant against the disease and observe 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;
* Thoroughly clean toys or appliances which are contaminated by nasal or oral secretions.

Children suffering from the infection should stay at home and avoid contacting other children until they have recovered.

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