Press Release

Case of severe paediatric enterovirus infection with meningitis complications investigated

4 July 2013

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (July 4) investigated a case of severe paediatric enterovirus (EV) infection with meningitis complications as well as an outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in a primary school in Wong Tai Sin and urged the public to be vigilant against disease.

The case with complications involved a 7-year-old boy with good past health. He presented with sore throat on June 26. He developed fever on June 27 and was admitted to United Christian Hospital on June 28 for further treatment.

The clinical diagnosis was suspected meningitis due to EV infection. His throat swab tested positive for EV. He is now under isolation treatment in stable condition. His home contacts were all asymptomatic.

A CHP spokesman noted that there was an HFMD outbreak in the primary school, St. Patrick's Catholic Primary School (Po Kong Village Road) in Wong Tai Sin, which the patient attended as a primary two pupil.

Apart from the patient, three primary two and primary three pupils, comprising two boys and a girl aged 7 and 8, developed oral ulcers, fever and vesicles on hands or feet since June 23. All the three pupils sought medical treatment and no hospitalisation is required. They are now in stable condition.

As a precautionary measure, the CHP advised the primary school to suspend classes from tomorrow (July 5) until the end of this academic year for thorough cleansing and disinfection, but graduation-related activities for primary six pupils remain unchanged.

The CHP has put the institution and families concerned under medical surveillance and provided health advice.

Investigation is continuing.

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 (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/16354.html) for more information on HFMD and EV71 infection.