10 June 2016
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (June 10) investigating an outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in a kindergarten-cum-child care centre in Tin Shui Wai, and again urged the public and institutions to maintain strict hand, personal and environmental hygiene amid the peak season.
The 20 affected pupils, nine boys and 11 girls aged 2 to 5, have developed rashes and vesicles on their hands or feet, oral ulcers and fever since May 4. All of them sought medical attention and required no hospitalisation. They are now in stable condition.
The stool specimen of one of the pupils tested positive for enterovirus (EV) upon testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.
Officers of the CHP have conducted a site visit and advised the management on necessary infection control and preventive measures. The kindergarten-cum-child care centre has been put under medical surveillance. Investigations are ongoing.
"HFMD is common in children and is usually caused by EVs such as Coxsackie virus and EV71. It is clinically characterised by maculopapular rashes or vesicular lesions occurring on the palms, soles and other parts of the body such as the buttocks and thighs. Vesicular lesions and ulcers may also be found in the oral cavity. Sometimes patients present mainly with painful ulcers at the back of the mouth, namely herpangina, without rash on the hands or feet," a spokesman for the CHP said.
To prevent HFMD, members of the public, and especially the management of institutions, should take heed of the following preventive measures:
The public may visit the CHP's page on HFMD and EV71 infection ( www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/16354.html ) for more information.