Press Release

CHP investigates case of severe paediatric enterovirus infection

26 April 2016

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (April 26) investigating a case of severe paediatric enterovirus (EV) infection and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.

The patient is a 5-year-old girl with underlying illnesses. She has presented with fever, headache, cough with sputum, sore throat and convulsions since April 20, and was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital, where she was admitted on the same day. She is currently in stable condition.

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

Initial investigation revealed that the patient had travelled to Taishan, Guangdong, from April 14 to 17. Her travel collaterals and 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:

• 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 EV 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).