15 May 2015
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 15) investigating a case of Enterovirus 71 (EV71) infection with meningitis complication involving a one-month-old girl, and urges the public to be vigilant against the disease.
The girl, with good past health, presented with fever and irritability on May 12. She was brought to the Accident and Emergency Department of North Lantau Hospital on May 12 and was transferred to Princess Margaret Hospital on the same day.
Her clinical diagnoses were meningitis and sepsis. She is currently in stable condition.
Her cerebrospinal fluid and rectal swab specimens tested positive for EV71 after analysis by the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the CHP. The case also has a concurrent Group B Streptococcal infection.
Initial investigation revealed that she had no recent travel history. One of her home contacts was diagnosed with Hand Foot Mouth Disease and has sought medical attention.
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 ).