30 July 2014
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (July 30) investigating a case of severe paediatric enterovirus 71 (EV71) infection and hence urged the public to stay vigilant.
The case involves an 8-month-old girl with good past health. She presented with fever, runny nose and diarrhoea, as well as rash over the lower limbs and trunk, since July 25. She was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital on July 26 and developed right lower limb weakness on July 29. Her condition has been stable all along.
The clinical diagnosis was EV71 infection complicated with acute flaccid paralysis. Her throat and rectal swabs tested positive for EV71 upon preliminary laboratory testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. Her home contacts remained asymptomatic. The CHP investigation is continuing.
A spokesman for the CHP said that as EV infection is transmitted by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, the public should remain vigilant and observe the following preventive measures:
Children suffering from the infection should stay at home and avoid contact with other children until they have recovered.
For more information, the public may visit the CHP's website ( www.chp.gov.hk ) or call the DH's Health Education Hotline (2833 0111).