Press Release

Outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease in kindergarten cum child care centre under CHP investigation

24 September 2013

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 24) investigating an outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in a kindergarten cum child care centre in Islands District affecting 20 pupils, and hence appealed to the public to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent HFMD.

The affected pupils, comprising 13 boys and seven girls aged from 2 to 5, have developed fever, oral ulcers as well as rash and vesicles on their hands or feet since September 2.

All the affected pupils subsequently sought medical consultation and did not require hospitalisation. They are currently in stable condition.

The stool specimens of two of the affected pupils tested positive for enterovirus upon laboratory testing by the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the CHP.

Officers of the CHP have conducted site visits and provided health advice to the staff. The school has been put under medical surveillance.

HFMD is a common disease in children and is usually caused by enteroviruses such as Coxsackie viruses and EV71.

To prevent HFMD, members of the public, and especially the management of institutions, should take heed of the following preventive measures:

• Maintain good air circulation;
• Wash hands before meals and after going to the toilet or handling diapers or other stool-soiled materials;
• Keep hands clean and wash hands properly, especially when they are dirtied by respiratory secretions, such as after sneezing;
• Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and oral discharges properly;
• Clean children's toys and other objects thoroughly and frequently with diluted household bleach (by adding one part of household bleach containing 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite to 49 parts of water), followed by rinsing or wiping with clean water;
• Children who are ill should be kept out of school until their fever and rash have subsided and all the vesicles have dried and crusted; and
• Avoid going to overcrowded places.

The public may visit the CHP's website ( www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/16354.html ) for more information on HFMD and EV71 infection.