Press Release

Two cases of severe paediatric enterovirus infection under CHP investigation

20 August 2014

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (August 20) investigating two cases of severe paediatric enterovirus (EV) infection and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.

The first patient is a 2-month-old baby boy with good past health. He has developed fever since August 17. He was taken to Princess Margaret Hospital and was admitted on August 18 for further management. His clinical diagnosis was meningitis and he has been in stable condition all along.

The patient's cerebrospinal fluid sample tested positive for EV upon preliminary laboratory testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch (PHLSB).

Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. His home contacts are asymptomatic.

The second patient is a 3-year-old boy with good past health. He has presented with fever and rash since August 5 and developed unsteady gait on August 10. He was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital on August 10 and was admitted on the same day. His clinical diagnosis was cerebellar ataxia and he is currently in stable condition.

The patient's rectal swab tested positive for EV upon preliminary laboratory testing by the CHP's PHLSB.

Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient travelled to Dongguan from July 20 to August 1 and on August 5. His elder brother, an 11-year-old boy, had developed rash on August 11 and recovered. Other home contacts remained asymptomatic.

The CHP's investigations are proceeding.

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:

• 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 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).