Press Release

Public urged to prevent hand, foot and mouth disease

17 June 2005

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 17) reminded the public and management of childcare institutions to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD).

Consultant (Community Medicine) of the CHP, Dr Thomas Tsang said CHP's sentinel surveillance for HFMD indicated that HFMD activity in Hong Kong over the past week was on the rise.

Reports of HFMD were received from five of the 46 child care centres under the sentinel surveillance system last week. As compared to a baseline, an average of zero to two child care centres was affected.

Dr Tsang said during the week ending June 11, consultation rates for HFMD among private doctors was 2 per 1 000 consultations as compared with 1.1 per 1 000 consultations the week ending June 4.

"There is a seasonal trend with most cases occurring between May to July for HFMD, which commonly occurs in young children," he added.

In fact, staff of child care centres and kindergartens were reminded through health talks and letters in May to take precautionary measures.

The CHP is closely monitoring the situation.

HFMD is a viral infection usually found among young children. It is characterized by fever, sores in the mouth and a rash with blisters. Vesicles can also be found in oral cavity, on the tongue and palate. Complications are rare.

To prevent HFMD, members of the public, including management of childcare institutions, should adopt the following measures:

• Wash hands before eating, after using toilets, handling nose or throat discharges, and changing diapers;
• Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing;
• Maintain good air circulation;
• Clean and wash shared toys properly;
• Keep children suffering from the infection at home until the illness is over and seek medical advice if their children develop symptoms.

Parents are also advised to seek prompt medical attention if their children develop a high fever, decrease in alertness or deterioration of general condition.