11 Mar 2009
Further to the two confirmed Enterovirus-71 (EV71) cases reported earlier, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating the third confirmed case this year and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.
A CHP spokesman said today (March 11) that the latest case involved a three-year-old girl who developed symptoms of Hand Foot Mouth Disease (HFMD) such as oral ulcers and rash over hands and feet on March 3. She sought medical treatment and did not require hospitalisation. She is now in stable condition.
Her stool specimen was tested positive for EV71.
Her father also developed symptoms of HFMD. He consulted a doctor and did not require hospitalisation. His condition is now stable.
All the three confirmed cases of EV71 attended HKSPC Sze Wu Shu Min Nursery School. Thirteen other children in the same school had also developed HFMD symptoms since March 2. All of them sought medical treatment and are in stable condition.
The school has suspended classes starting today until March 24 for thorough disinfection.
For more information, members of the public may visit the CHP's website (
www.chp.gov.hk
) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.