Press Release

CHP investigates hand, foot and mouth disease outbreak in institution

27 August 2015

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 27) investigating an outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in an institution in Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong, and hence appealed to the public to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene.

The affected persons are 21 men aged from 18 to 30. They have developed fever, oral ulcers, and rash on their hands and feet since August 11. All of them have sought medical attention and none required hospitalisation. They have been in stable condition all along.

"Upon receipt of a report from the institution, officers of the CHP have immediately commenced epidemiological investigations, including a site visit and providing health advice to the management of the institution on necessary infection control and preventive measures. The institution has been under medical surveillance. Investigations are ongoing," a spokesman for the CHP said.

"HFMD is usually caused by enteroviruses (EVs) such as Coxsackie virus and EV71. It is clinically characterised by maculopapular rash or vesicular lesions occurring on the palms, soles and other parts of the body such as the buttocks and thighs. Vesicular lesions and ulcers may also be found in the oral cavity. Sometimes patients present mainly with painful ulcers at the back of the mouth, namely herpangina, without rash on the hands or feet," the spokesman explained.

To prevent HFMD, members of the public, particularly management of institutions, should take heed of the following preventive measures:

• Maintain good air circulation;
• Wash hands before meals and after going to the toilet;
• Keep hands clean and wash hands properly, especially when they are dirtied by respiratory secretions, such as after sneezing;
• Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and oral discharges properly;
• Stay at home until fever and rash have subsided and all vesicles have dried up.

The public may visit the CHP's page on HFMD and EV71 infection (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/16354.html) for more information.