29 May 2008
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (May 29) confirmed a case of Enterovirus-71 (EV-71) infection involving a 15-year-old boy.
A CHP spokesman said that the boy developed rash over hands and feet on May 25. He consulted a private medical practitioner on May 26 and was diagnosed to have Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (HFMD). No hospitalization is required.
Laboratory result of his stool sample collected yesterday confirmed EV71 infection.
Four other students of the secondary school the boy attended also diagnosed to have HFMD between May 7 and 21. Staff of CHP had visited the school and provided health advice to the institution.
Thirty-eight cases of EV-71 infection have been reported to CHP so far this year. There were 35, eight, 16 and 12 cases in the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively.
EV-71 is a viral infection usually found among young children. It is also one of the causative agents for hand-foot-mouth disease.
A CHP spokesman said that May to August was the usual peak season for HFMD and EV71. The infection is 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.
For more information, people may visit the CHP's website (
http://www.chp.gov.hk
) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.