Press Release

Seminar to promote vigilance against enteroviral infection

May 27, 2004

The Department of Health and the Social Welfare Department today (May 27) held a seminar on enteroviral infection for staff members of childcare centres and reminded them to strictly observe personal and environmental hygiene to prevent the disease.

"Enteroviruses including EV-71 can cause a variety of illnesses primarily among young children, such as hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). HFMD tends to be more common in summer months. So far this year, there were six reported cases of EV-71 affecting children below the age of five. They have all recovered and did not develop any complications," a Health Department spokesman said.

He said the seminar was held to promote vigilance against enteroviral infection in childcare centres, where this disease commonly occurs. Staff who attended the event were briefed on the symptoms and characteristics of the disease, and how to take effective preventive measures in their institutions.

Meanwhile, the spokesman urged the public to stay alert to the threat of enteroviral infection and to adopt the following preventive measures:

• Wash hands before eating and after going to toilet and changing diapers.
• Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
• Maintain good ventilation.
• Clean thoroughly toys or appliances which are contaminated by nasal or oral secretions.
• Parents are advised to seek medical advice if their children develop symptoms of HFMD.
• Children suffering from the infection should stay at home and avoid contacting other children until the illness is over.

For more information on enteroviral infection, members of the public can call the Health Department's health education hotline 2833 0111 or browse the Central Health Education Unit website ( http://www.cheu.gov.hk )