Press Release

EV71 case with meningitis complication investigated

12 September 2012

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 12) investigating a case of Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection with meningitis complication involving an 11-year-old boy, and urges the public to be vigilant against the disease.

The boy, with good past health, presented with fever, chill and rigor on August 27. He further had headache and neck stiffness on September 2 and was admitted to United Christian Hospital on the same day.

The clinical diagnosis was meningitis. His condition was stable and the patient was discharged on September 8.

His throat swab tested positive for EV71.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the patient had travelled to the Mainland with family members in mid August. His four-year-old sister had mouth ulcers while other home contacts were asymptomatic. The schools that the patient and his sibling attended do not have enterovirus outbreak.

Investigation continues.

A CHP spokesman said that as the infection is transmitted by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, the public 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; 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's website (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.