13 July 2010
Kin Sang Baptist Church Bradbury Pre-School in Tuen Mun has been advised by the Department of Health’s Centre for Health Protection (CHP) to suspend classes for two weeks until July 27 following an outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) affecting a total of 10 pupils.
Five boys and five girls aged between two and three developed symptoms of HFMD from July 6. All of them sought medical treatment. A three-year-old boy was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital on July 8 and discharged on July 10. All are now in stable condition.
Investigation revealed that one of the affected pupils, a three-year-old girl, was the elder sister of a two-year-old girl who was confirmed with EV71 infection. Further investigations are continuing.
CHP staff have visited the school and offered advice on strengthening cleansing measures. As six more pupils were reported to be affected with HFMD, the school was advised to suspend classes for thorough disinfection.
A CHP spokesman reminded the public to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene during the current HFMD outbreaks and to adopt the following preventive measures:
*Maintain good indoor air circulation;
*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 1:49 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; and
*Avoid going to overcrowded places.