6 May 2010
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 6) investigating a case of Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection with neurological complications involving an 18-year-old female and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.
The girl lived in Sai Wan. She presented with symptoms of rash over hands and feet together with oral ulcers on April 10 and developed high fever, headache and neck stiffness the next day. She was admitted to a public hospital on Hong Kong Island on April 13 and was diagnosed to have meningoencephalitis. Her condition was stable all along and she was discharged on April 18.
Her clinical specimen was cultured positive for EV71.
CHP's investigation showed that she had traveled with her family to the Mainland from March 30 to April 10. Her family members are asymptomatic.
A CHP spokesman said the infection was transmitted by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, saliva, fluid from blisters, or the stool of infected persons. Hence, members of the public 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.
This is the 22nd case of EV71 reported this year. A total of 31 and 98 cases were reported in 2009 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.