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Press Release

Two cases of severe paediatric enterovirus infection under CHP investigation

18 July 2014

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (July 18) investigating two cases of severe paediatric enterovirus (EV) infection and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.

The first case involved a 1-month-old baby boy with good past health. He presented with fever since July 9. He was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital on July 10, and was admitted on the same day. He has recovered and was discharged today.

The clinical diagnoses were meningitis and urinary tract infection. His cerebrospinal fluid tested positive for EV upon preliminary laboratory testing by Prince of Wales Hospital.

Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that he had no recent travel history. His elder sister has suffered from fever and cough recently, and had recovered. His other home contacts remained asymptomatic.

The second case involved a 1-month-old baby girl with good past health. She presented with fever since July 15. She was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital on July 16, and was admitted on the same day. She is now in stable condition.

The clinical diagnosis was meningitis. Her cerebrospinal fluid tested positive for EV upon preliminary laboratory testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.

Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient lives in Shenzhen. Her home contacts have remained asymptomatic.

The CHP investigations are 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 (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk) or call the DH's Health Education Hotline (2833 0111).



Last Revision Date : 18 Jul 2014