10 Mar 2009
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a second confirmed case of Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection this year involving a 2-year-old boy and has advised the nursery school he attends to suspend classes for two weeks.
A CHP spokesman said today (March 10) that the boy had developed oral ulcers and rash over hands and feet since March 5. He was admitted to Tseung Kwan O Hospital earlier and has been discharged. He is now in stable condition.
His throat swab was tested positive for EV71.
Fourteen other children in the nursery school the boy attended, HKSPC Sze Wu Shu Min Nursery School, had developed symptoms of Hand Foot Mouth Disease since March 2. All of them sought medical treatment and are in stable condition. One of them, a 2-year-old girl, was confirmed to have been infected with EV-71 yesterday.
The spokesman said that in view of the increase in the number of cases, CHP advised the school to suspend classes for two weeks from tomorrow (March 11) to March 24 inclusive for thorough disinfection.
"This is a measure to prevent further spreading of the disease in the school."
"CHP will closely monitor the situation. Parents are advised to pay attention to the health condition of their children, and to remind them to observe good personal and environmental hygiene," he said.
There were 16, 12 and 98 cases of EV71 in 2006, 2007 and 2008 respectively.
For more information, people may visit the CHP's website (
www.chp.gov.hk
) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.