Press Release

EV71 case with meningitis complication investigated

24 April 2014

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (April 24) investigating a case of Enterovirus 71 (EV71) infection with meningitis complication involving a 23-month-old boy, and urges the public to be vigilant against the disease.

The boy, with good past health, presented with cough since April 16. He developed fever, oral lesions, and vesicles over hands and feet since April 17. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of North District Hospital on April 18 and was discharged home on the same day. He was admitted to a private hospital on April 20 because of persistent symptoms, and was subsequently transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of Queen Elizabeth Hospital on April 23 for further management.

His clinical diagnosis was meningitis, and hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). He is currently in serious condition.

His rectal swab specimen tested positive for EV71 by the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the CHP.

Initial investigation revealed that the boy travelled to Haifeng, Guangdong, from April 10 to 15, and he contacted a relative in Haifeng who had HFMD. His parents remained asymptomatic.

The investigation is continuing.

A CHP spokesman said that as the infection is transmitted by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, the public should be vigilant against the disease and observe the following preventive measures:

• Wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet and changing diapers;
• Cover the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing;
• Maintain good ventilation; and
• Thoroughly clean toys or appliances which are contaminated by nasal or oral secretions.

Children suffering from the infection should stay at home and avoid contacting other children until they have recovered.

For more information, people may visit the CHP's website (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.