A case of EV71 confirmed

15 Aug 2008

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 15) urged members of the public are urged to be vigilant against Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection following confirmation of one EV71 case involving a two-year-old girl.

The child developed oral ulcer and rash over her hands and feet on August 11 and consulted general outpatient clinic on August 13. No hospitalization was required. Her stool specimen was confirmed positive for EV71 by PCR today.

CHP's investigation revealed that the girl had visited the Mainland between July 3 and August 11. Her family members did not have similar symptoms.

A total of 78 EV71 infection cases have been reported to CHP so far this year. There were 35, eight, 16 and 12 cases in the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively.

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