13 Apr 2010
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 13) reminded members of the public again to take preventive measures against Hand, Foot and Mouth disease (HFMD) and Enterovirus 71 (EV71) infection.
While the peak season of HFMD and EV71 infection in Hong Kong usually comes between May and July, a CHP spokesman said there was an increase in the number of outbreaks in institutions since mid-March.
In March this year, the CHP received 29 reports of HFMD/herpangina outbreaks in institutions, higher than the number of 10 outbreaks reported in January and February respectively.
"The sentinel surveillance system based at child care centres (CCC) and kindergartens (KG) has recently detected a significant increase in HFMD activity.
"The CHP has also received nine reports of EV71 infections so far this year. The patients aged between one to nine years old. All had mild symptoms without severe complication," the spokesman said.
Recent surveillance revealed that EV71 isolates had no significant genetic changes, he added.
"Meanwhile, HFMD and EV71 infection stay active in neighbouring areas including Guangdong Province, some parts of the Mainland and some countries in Southeast Asia.
"We would continue to closely monitor the situation," the spokesman said.
The spokesman said the CHP today sent another round of letters to doctors, childcare centers, kindergartens, primary and secondary schools to alert them about the most current HFMD and EV71 infection situation and provide advice on prevention and control.
Similar letters had been issued on March 25 to remind them of the approaching of the peak season of these diseases.
Health talks for institutions are being arranged this month in collaboration with Education Bureau and Social Welfare
Department to strengthen their capacity for preventing and controlling HFMD and EV71 infection, he added.
The weekly 'EV SCAN' has been published in CHP website ( www.chp.gov.hk ) to summarise the latest statistics of HFMD and EV71 infection.
As HFMD and EV71 infection are common in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, the spokesman reminded the public to strictly observe personal and environmental hygiene while in Hong Kong and during travel to prevent HFMD and EV71 infection.
They are advised to:
* Wash hands before eating and after going to toilet and changing diapers;
* Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, and proper disposal of nasal and mouth discharge;
* Never share personal items such as towels and eating utensils;
* Clean and disinfect frequently touched surface, furniture and toilets regularly with diluted bleach of 1:99 concentration (one portion of household bleach adding 99 portion of water);
* Disinfect toys/places which are contaminated by secretions or excreta with diluted household bleach of 1:49 concentration;
* Maintain good ventilation;
* Parents should pay attention to the health of their children and seek medical advice if their children develop symptoms of HFMD, especially if the following occurs:
- Fever not subsided
- Repeated vomiting
- Persistent sleepiness or drowsiness
- Myoclonic jerks
* Children suffering from HFMD should be refrained from school and avoid contacting other children until they are completely recovered; and
* Parents should maintain close communication with schools to let them know the latest situation of the sick children.
More information on EV71 and HFMD can be found in CHP website.