Skip to content


Home >> Press Release >> 2015

Press Release

CHP investigates case of severe paediatric enterovirus infection

21 May 2015

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 21) investigating a case of severe Enterovirus 71 (EV71) infection involving a 1-month-old girl, and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.

The girl, with good past health, presented with fever and diarrhoea since May 9. She was brought to the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Mary Hospital and was admitted on the same day for further management.

Her clinical diagnosis was encephalitis. She has been in stable condition all along and was discharged on May 18.

Her cerebrospinal fluid tested positive for EV71 after analysis by the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the CHP.

Initial investigation revealed that she had no recent travel history. Her home contacts have remained asymptomatic.

The CHP's investigation is ongoing.

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:

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 : 21 May 2015