30 April 2015
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (April 30) investigating a case of severe paediatric enterovirus (EV) infection, and hence urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.
The female patient, aged 9 with good past health, has developed fever, sore throat, limb vesicles, dizziness and unsteady gait since April 23. She was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital on April 28 for management.
The clinical diagnosis was hand, foot and mouth disease and acute cerebellitis and she has been in stable condition all along.
Her throat swab tested positive for EV71 upon testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.
Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. Her home contacts have remained asymptomatic.
The CHP's investigation is ongoing.
A spokesman for the CHP said that as EV infection is transmitted by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, the public should be 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).