25 May 2010
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (May 25) called on people to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD).
The appeal followed two outbreaks of HFMD affecting a total of 45 children.
The first case involved 15 boys and seven girls aged between two and five in a kindergarten cum child care centre in Shau Kei Wan. They developed oral ulcers, fever and rash on their hands or feet from May 15.
The second case involved 11 boys and 12 girls aged between one and two in a residential child care centre in Causeway Bay. They developed herpangina symptoms including oral ulcers and fever from May 16.
All 45 children sought medical consultation and none required hospitalisation. They are now in stable condition.
The CHP has put the institutions under medical surveillance and provided health advice to the staff.
To prevent HFMD, members of the public, especially management of institutions, should adopt the following measures:
* Maintain good indoor ventilation.
* Wash hands before meals and after going to the toilet, handling diapers or other stool-soiled materials.
* Keep hands clean and wash hands properly, especially when they are made dirty by respiratory secretions, such as after sneezing.
* Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and mouth discharge properly.
* Clean children's toys and other objects thoroughly and frequently with 1:99 diluted household bleach, followed by rinsing/wiping with clean water.
* Children who are ill should be kept out of school until their fever and rash have subsided and all the vesicles have dried and crusted.
* Avoid going to overcrowded places.