8 Apr 2008
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 8) confirmed a new case of Enterovirus-71 (EV-71) infection involving a five-year-old boy and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.
EV-71 is a viral infection usually found among young children. It is also one of the causative agents for hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD).
The child arrived at Hong Kong on April 2. He developed sore throat, vomiting and rashes on hands and feet on April 5 and was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on April 6. He was discharged and returned to Taiwan the next day.
Laboratory result on his rectal swab available today confirmed EV-71 infection.
CHP's investigation is ongoing.
A CHP spokesman said that as the infection was transmitted by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, people should be vigilant against the disease and observe 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;
* Thoroughly clean toys or appliances which are contaminated by nasal or oral secretions.
Children suffering from the infection should stay at home and avoid contacting other children until they have recovered.
This is the third case of EV-71 infection reported to CHP this year. There were eight, 16 and 12 cases of EV-71 infections reported in 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively.
For more information, people may visit the CHP's website (
http://www.chp.gov.hk
) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.