Press Release

Severe case of paediatric enterovirus infection investigated

20 July 2012

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (July 20) investigated a case of severe paediatric enterovirus (EV) infection affecting a one-month-old boy, and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.

The boy lives in Shatin. He presented with fever and rash on July 18 and was admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital the same day. He was then transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of the hospital the following day.

The clinical diagnosis was meningoencephalitis due to EV infection. His condition is stable.

His cerebrospinal fluid, throat and rectal specimens tested positive for EV. The boy's 30-year-old father, 18-month-old elder brother and 24-year-old aunt also developed symptoms of Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (HFMD) from end-June to early July but required no hospitalisation. They have already recovered.

He has no travel history. CHP's investigation continues.

A CHP spokesman said that as EV infection is transmitted by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, or the stool of infected persons, the public should be vigilant against the disease and observe the following preventive measures:

* Wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet and changing diapers;
* Cover the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing;
* Never share personal items such as towels and eating utensils;
* Maintain good ventilation; and
* 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 website (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.