Press Release

CHP investigates case of severe paediatric enterovirus infection

22 October 2014

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (October 22) investigating a case of severe paediatric enterovirus (EV) infection and hence urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.

The girl aged 8, with good past health, has developed fever and headache since October 18 and was admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital for management on the same day.

Her clinical diagnosis was meningitis and she has been in stable condition all along.

Both the patient's cerebrospinal fluid sample and throat swab tested positive for EV upon preliminary laboratory testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.

Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. Her home contacts have remained asymptomatic.

The CHP's investigation is 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).