Press Release

CHP investigates case of severe paediatric enterovirus infection with complication

27 May 2016

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 27) investigating a case of severe paediatric enterovirus (EV) infection with complication and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.

The patient is a 3-year-old boy with good past health. He has presented with fever, oral ulcer, skin rash and vomiting since May 20. He was taken to the outpatient clinic of a private hospital on May 22 and was admitted the next day for further management. He subsequently developed high fever and twitching of limbs. He is now in stable condition.

His clinical diagnosis was EV infection complicated with encephalitis. His stool specimen tested positive for EV71 upon testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.

Initial investigation revealed that the patient resided in Dongguan, Guangdong, all along and was brought to Hong Kong on May 22 for medical attention. His 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).