27 May 2010
St. Francis of Assisi's English Primary School in Sham Shui Po has been advised to suspend classes for two weeks starting tomorrow (May 28) following the Centre for Health Protection's (CHP) investigation into a viral meningitis case related to enterovirus (EV) infection involving a 10-year-old girl living in Wong Tai Sin.
The girl presented with fever on May 20. She further developed oral ulcers and rash over limbs on May 21. On May 23, she developed headache, sore throat and neck stiffness and was admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital. Her clinical picture is compatible with viral meningitis. She is now in stable condition.
Laboratory tests revealed that her rectal swab was tested positive for EV71.
CHP's investigation showed that her younger sister in the same school developed rash and oral ulcers on May 17. She sought medical consultation from general practitioner.
Her mother, who developed oral ulcers and rash over limbs on May 23, was also diagnosed to be suffering from Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease.
Both of them are in stable condition. Other home contacts are asymptomatic.
Six other children, aged between seven and 12, in the primary school, developed oral ulcers, fever, and rash or vesicles on hand and feet since May 15. All of them sought medical consultation and one required hospitalization. All of them are in stable condition. The one in hospital, a 11-year-old boy, had been discharged on May 25. His throat swab was tested positive for EV71.
As a precautionary measure, the CHP advised the primary school to suspend classes between May 28 and June 10 for thorough cleansing and disinfection.
Investigation continues.
CHP had conducted field visit and provided health advice to the staff.
"CHP will keep a close watch on the situation. Parents are advised to pay attention to health condition of their children, and to remind them to observe good personal and environmental hygiene," the spokesman said.
So far this year, CHP has been notified of 32 cases of EV71 infection. There were 98 cases in 2008 and 31 cases in 2009.
For more information, people may visit the CHP's website (
www.chp.gov.hk
) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.