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Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (April 2009+)

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  • Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (April 2009+)

    Old thread at http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=90068

  • #2
    Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (April 2009+)

    Hong Kong: SFH on drug and hand, foot and mouth disease (3/30/2009) [SFH]

    Following is the transcript of remarks (English portion) made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, at a stand-up media session after attending a public function today (March 30):


    Reporter:
    (progress on the review of drug management)

    Secretary for Food and Health:
    Regarding the review process of the drug management, the Department of Health has already gone through the inspection of 25 local manufacturers, they did not find anything that is serious, apart from what has already been reported.
    So, it is important to note that everyone is strengthening their control both internally as well as externally.
    Secondly, the Hospital Authority has also gone through the internal audit of all their drugs and consumables.
    So, they would report any discrepancy or irregularity.
    As far as I can foresee, with the strengthening of this process, there would be continuous reporting of any particular incident, particularly with human error involved in the future.
    But it is important for every party to respond timely, to resolve any issue regarding the drug problem, and also to report to the public to let them know about the risk of handling drugs so that they know the risk involved in healthcare.

    Regarding the hand, foot and mouth disease in China, I think from the report we have received from the Ministry of Health it is mainly located in the northern provinces like Shandong and Henan.

    It has now more than 40,000 patients with more than 10 mortalities.

    This type of disease is usually quite contagious for young children, particularly for schools and institutes.

    In Hong Kong, we have every now and then reports of this kind as well.

    But so far, I think we are still within the so-called limits we have been in the past years.

    I think that with the increase of hygiene and also the vigilance of and sensitivity of our schools, our healthcare system now is responding very timely to any type of outbreaks. Maybe I can also talk a little bit about the flu season, because from the recent viral study in our clinics and also hospitals, the influenza virus seems to come down slowly already.

    So, we expect the flu season is going to be over very soon.

    But once one disease season is over, usually there would be another virus that would come in.

    So, another virus that we see a slightly increase is RSV also involving young children.

    I would like to also appeal to parents, schools and the public to note that it is important to note the health status of your children if they are distressed with fever or any symptoms, the best thing is to take them to see the doctor and do not actually force them to go to school.

    And also if they have any symptoms at schools, it is better to take them home and take their rest.

    (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
    -

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    • #3
      Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (April 2009+)

      Hong Kong: Two confirmed cases of dengue fever (3/30/2009) [CHP]

      The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (March 30) urged people to guard against dengue fever following the laboratory confirmation of two cases.


      The first case involved a 60-year-old man who developed fever, headache and bone pain on March 20 and was admitted to a private hospital on Hong Kong Island on the same day. He was transferred to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital on March 27 for further management and is now in stable condition. The CHP's investigation revealed that the man went to Indonesia between February 26 and March 20. His wife, who travelled with him, is asymptomatic.

      In the second case, a 51-year-old woman developed fever, headache, muscle pain and rash on March 16. She visited private doctors and later was admitted to Yan Chai Hospital on March 24. She is now in stable condition. Investigation revealed that she travelled to Indonesia alone from January 15 to March 14. Her home contact did not have symptoms. The CHP will continue to follow up the cases.

      Six cases of dengue fever have been reported to the CHP this year. A total of 42 cases of dengue fever were reported in 2008. All were classified as imported cases.

      A spokesman for the CHP urged the public to stay alert to the threat of dengue fever and to help prevent mosquito breeding by taking the following measures:
      *Put all used cans and bottles into dustbins with covers;
      *Change water for plants at least once a week, leaving no water in the saucers underneath flower pots;
      *Tightly cover all water containers, wells and water storage tanks, and
      *Keep all drains free from blockage.

      Travellers should take the following preventive measures:
      *Wear long-sleeved tops and trousers;
      *Use insect repellent on the exposed parts of the body, and
      *Use mosquito screens or nets when rooms are not air-conditioned.

      Anyone feeling unwell after returning from their trip should consult a doctor as soon as possible and provide details of their travel to the doctor.

      The latest information on dengue fever in other places can be found under "Travel Health News" on the Hong Kong Travel Health Service website at www.travelhealth.gov.hk/eindex.html.

      Travel agents, tour guides and travellers can visit the website for the latest news and advice on preventive measures.
      -

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      • #4
        Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (April 2009+)

        Hong Kong: Case of EV71 confirmed (3/31/2009) [CHP]

        The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (March 31) investigating a confirmed case of Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection involving a 10-year-old boy and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.


        A CHP spokesman said the boy had presented with fever and rash over his hands and feet since March 25. He was admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital on March 29 and is now in stable condition. His throat swab specimen tested positive for EV71.

        There was no Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (HFMD) outbreak in the primary school that the boy attended and his family contacts had no symptoms ofHFMD.

        However, the CHP had advised the school to conduct a thorough disinfection to prevent the spread of the disease.

        This is the ninth case reported to the CHP this year. There were 16 cases of EV71 in 2006, 12 in 2007 and 98 in 2008.

        For more information, people may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
        -

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        • #5
          Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (April 2009+)

          Hong Kong: Confirmed case of dengue fever (4/1/2009) [CHP]

          The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 1) is investigating a confirmed case of dengue fever and urged people to guard against the disease.


          The case involved a 26-year-old man who developed bone pain, myalgia and malaise on March 26 and fever on March 28. The man was admitted to United Christian Hospital on March 29 and was discharged yesterday (March 31) in stable condition. His serum tested positive for dengue fever virus. The CHP's investigation revealed that the man came from Surinam on March 26. His home contacts in Hong Kong are asymptomatic.

          The CHP will continue to follow up the case.

          This is the seventh case of dengue fever reported to the CHP this year. A total of 42 cases of dengue fever were reported in 2008. All were classified as imported cases.

          A spokesman for the CHP urged the public to stay alert to the threat of dengue fever and to help prevent mosquito breeding by taking the following measures:
          *Put all used cans and bottles into dustbins with covers;
          *Change water for plants at least once a week, leaving no water in the saucers underneath flower pots;
          *Tightly cover all water containers, wells and water storage tanks, and
          *Keep all drains free from blockage.

          Travellers should take the following preventive measures:
          *Wear long-sleeved tops and trousers;
          *Use insect repellent on the exposed parts of the body, and
          *Use mosquito screens or nets when rooms are not air-conditioned.

          Anyone feeling unwell after returning from their trip should seek medical advice as soon as possible and provide details of their travel to the doctor.

          The latest information on dengue fever in other places can be found under "Travel Health News" on the Hong Kong Travel Health Service website at www.travelhealth.gov.hk/eindex.html .

          Travel agents, tour guides and travellers can visit the website for the latest news and advice on preventive measures.
          -

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          • #6
            Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (April 2009+)

            Hong Kong: Queen Mary Hospital reports Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci cases (4/2/2009) [QMH]

            The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

            A Queen Mary Hospital (QMH) spokesperson made the following announcement today (April 2): A 77-year-old male neurosurgical patient was confirmed as a carrier of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) on March 28.


            The hospital has acted according to the prevailing infection control guidelines and quarantined the patients who were staying in the same ward as the index case and also performed screening tests on these patients.

            After the screening exercise, so far two male patients and one female patient (aged 62 to 75) have been identified as VRE carriers, including the index case.

            The three patients were placed under isolation. Their conditions are stable and there are no signs of infection due to VRE.

            The hospital has informed patients' relatives about the situation.

            The hospital has stepped up infection control measures according to existing procedures.

            Follow-up screening for more patients has been arranged and the results are pending.

            There are clinical guidelines in all public hospitals to ensure proper use of antibiotics, including Vancomycin and there are also guidelines on the management of VRE carriers.

            The clustering of VRE carriers in QMH has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for follow up.
            -

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            • #7
              Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (April 2009+)

              Hong Kong: CHP advises a preschool to suspend classes (4/2/2009) [CHP]

              The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 2) advised a preschool with an outbreak of Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (HFMD) to suspend classes for two weeks following the report of a new case in spite of enhanced infection control measures.


              The school concerned is Kin Sang Baptist Church Bradbury Preschool in Tuen Mun.

              A total of 12 children developed symptoms of HFMD between March 16 and 30. Of the 12 students, two were confirmed to have Enterovirus-71 (EV-71) infections. The first student is a two-year-old boy who had his infection confirmed on March 27. He consulted a private doctor and required no hospitalisation. The second student is a two-year-old girl who developed HFMD symptoms on March 25. Her 29-year-old mother also developed similar symptoms on March 29. They sought medical treatment from private doctors and did not require hospitalisation. Both of them were confirmed today to have EV-71 infection. All of them are now in stable condition.

              The school management had stepped up cleaning measures according to the CHP's advice following its visit on March 23 and 30.

              However, a new HFMD case was reported to the CHP involving a five-year-old boy who developed similar symptoms today. He did not require hospitalisation and is now in stable condition.

              A CHP spokesman said that in view of the emergence of a new case after infection control measures were enhanced, the school was advised to suspend classes for two weeks from tomorrow to April 16 for thorough disinfection.

              "This is a measure to prevent further spreading of the disease in the school.
              "The CHP will closely monitor the situation. Parents are advised to pay attention to the health condition of their children, and to remind them to observe good personal and environmental hygiene."

              A total of 11 confirmed EV71 cases have been reported to the CHP so far this year. There were 16, 12 and 98 cases in 2006, 2007 and 2008 respectively.

              For more information on HFMD and EV-71, people may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education hotline 2833 0111.
              -

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              • #8
                Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (April 2009+)

                Hong Kong: Confirmed case of EV71 (4/3/2009) [CHP]

                The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a confirmed case of Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection involving a 34-year-old woman.


                It is the 12th case this year, and people have been urged to be vigilant against the disease.

                A CHP spokesman said today (April 3) that the woman presented with diarrhoea, oral ulcers and vesicular lesions over her hands on March 30. She sought medical treatment at Tuen Mun Hospital on March 30 and did not need hospitalisation. Her current condition is stable. Her stool specimen tested positive for EV71.

                Home contacts of the patient had no symptoms of the disease.

                The spokesman said, "CHP will closely monitor the situation.

                "People are advised to observe good personal and environmental hygiene.".

                There were 16 cases of EV71 in 2006, 12 cases in 2007 and 98 last year.

                For more information, people may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
                -

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                • #9
                  Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (April 2009+)

                  Hong Kong: CHP stays vigilant against HFMD and EV71 (4/3/2009) [CHP]

                  The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is implementing a series of health measures in anticipation of the seasonal rise of Hand-Foot-Mouth Diseases (HFMD) and Enterovirus 71 (EV71) infections, a CHP spokesman said today (April 3).


                  While the peak season of HFMD and EV71 infections in Hong Kong usually comes between May and July, the spokesman said there are signs that the onset of the peak season may occur earlier this year.

                  "The number of institutional HFMD outbreaks during March 2009 was higher compared with the same month in the previous three years," the spokesman said. Twelve EV71 cases have been recorded so far this year, which was higher than the corresponding periods during 2006-2008.

                  The number of EV71 cases in 2006, 2007 and 2008 were 16, 12 and 98 respectively. The spokesman said that the CHP had sent letters to child care centres, kindergartens, primary and secondary schools alerting them to the latest HFMD and EV71 infection situation and providing advice on prevention and control. Upon notification of HFMD outbreaks in these institutions, the CHP will initiate prompt investigation and control measures to limit disease transmission, he said.

                  Certain scenarios may warrant temporary suspension of classes in an individual child institution.

                  For example, this may include the occurrence of further cases in an institution attended by a confirmed EV71 case after stepping up control measures, or the occurrence of an EV71 case with severe complications associated with an HFMD outbreak in the institution. Health talks will be arranged for schools, kindergartens and child care centres this month to update them on the HFMD and EV71 situation, and to brief them on outbreak management and prevention and control measures in schools. "In addition, broadcast of TV and radio announcements will be intensified to increase public alertness.

                  "The 'EV SCAN', a weekly update on HFMD and EV71 infections will be published on the CHP website today to summarise the latest statistics of these diseases," the spokesman added. As for schools with significant intake of cross-border students, school managements and transport contractors are reminded to conduct regular and thorough disinfection of school buses.

                  These schools are also asked to remind parents of cross-border children not to send their children with HFMD symptoms to attend school. The DH's Port Health Office is also distributing HFMD pamphlets at immigration control points. Letters have been issued today to all doctors on the latest situation and management of HFMD and EV71 infection in Hong Kong so as to enhance case detection, clinical diagnosis and management, as well as dissemination of health advice.

                  To prevent HFMD and EV71 infection, members of the public are urged to stay vigilant and strictly observe personal and environmental hygiene. While in Hong Kong or during travel, they are advised to:
                  *Wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet and changing diapers;
                  *Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, and properly dispose of nasal and mouth discharges;
                  *Never share personal items such as towels and eating utensils;
                  *Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, furniture and toilets regularly with diluted bleach of 1:99 concentration (one part household bleach to 99 parts water);
                  *Disinfect toys/places which are contaminated by secretions or excreta with diluted household bleach of 1:49 concentration;
                  *Maintain good ventilation;
                  *Parents should pay attention to the health of their children and seek medical advice if their children develop symptoms of HFMD, especially if the following occurs:
                  - Fever not subsided;
                  - Repeated vomiting;
                  - Persistent sleepiness or drowsiness;
                  - Myoclonic jerks
                  *Children suffering from HFMD should stay at home and avoid contact with other children until they are completely recovered;
                  *Parents should maintain close communication with schools to let them know the latest situation of the sick children.

                  More information on preventive measures against EV71 and HFMD can be found on the CHP website (www.chp.gov.hk).
                  -

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                  • #10
                    Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (April 2009+)

                    Hong Kong: Case of EV71 confirmed (4/6/2009) [CHP]

                    The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (April 6) investigating a confirmed case of Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection involving a two-year-old boy and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.


                    A CHP spokesman said the boy had presented with fever, vesicles and rashes over his hands and feet since March 16. He was admitted to a private hospital in Kowloon on March 20 and discharged on March 22. His stool specimen grew EV71 virus.

                    The CHP's investigation revealed that the boy lived and attended a kindergarten in the Mainland. He came to Hong Kong for medical consultation on March 17 and went back to the Mainland on March 25. The boy's home contact in Hong Kong had no symptoms of Hand-Food-Mouth-Disease.

                    This is the 13th case reported to the CHP this year. There were 16 cases of EV71 in 2006, 12 in 2007 and 98 in 2008.

                    For more information, people may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
                    -

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                    • #11
                      Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (April 2009+)

                      Hong Kong: CHP investigating acute gastroenteritis outbreak at school (4/6/2009) [CHP]

                      The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 6) reminded members of the public and management of institutions to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent gastroenteritis.


                      The appeal was made following CHP's investigation of an acute gastroenteritis outbreak affecting 21 students of a secondary school in Sha Tin.

                      The affected, comprising 11 boys and 10 girls aged between 16 and 18 years, developed symptoms of gastroenteritis, including diarrhoea and vomiting, since March 11.

                      One of the affected consulted a private doctor. No hospitalisation was required. All of them are in stable condition.

                      Officers of the CHP have visited the school and provided health instructions to the staff concerning proper disinfection, proper disposal of vomitus and stools, as well as personal and food hygiene. CHP will closely monitor the school for further cases and provide health advice when necessary.

                      To prevent contracting gastroenteritis, members of the public are advised to-
                      * Ensure proper personal hygiene;
                      * Wash hands thoroughly before eating or preparing food and after using toilet or handling vomitus or faecal matter;
                      * Avoid food that is not thoroughly cooked.

                      Members of the public can obtain more information on the prevention of gastroenteritis from CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Unit hotline, 2833 0111.
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                      • #12
                        Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (April 2009+)

                        Hong Kong: Queen Mary Hospital Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci cases update (4/7/2009) [HA]

                        The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

                        Following an earlier announcement on the confirmation of two male patients and one female patient as Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) carriers in a neurosurgery ward, a spokesman for Queen Mary Hospital (QMH) gave an update today (April 7):


                        In accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital has screened all discharged patients who have been in contact with the three VRE carriers.

                        As a result, an 89-year-old male patient, who had been transferred form QMH to Tung Wah Hospital (TWH) on March 16 was confirmed to be a VRE carrier.

                        TWH has informed the patient's relatives about the situation.

                        The patient's condition is stable and he has been isolated.

                        There is no sign of infection due to VRE.

                        QMH and TWH will continue to monitor his condition.

                        All Hong Kong West Cluster hospitals have stepped up infection control measures according to existing guidelines and procedures.

                        The clustering of VRE carriers in QMH has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for follow-up action.

                        All public hospitals have been adopting the guidelines on proper use of antibiotics, including guidelines on the use of Vancomycin and management of VRE carriers.
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                        • #13
                          Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (April 2009+)

                          Hong Kong: Confirmed case of dengue fever (4/7/2009) [CHP]

                          The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 7) urged people to guard against dengue fever following the laboratory confirmation of a new case.


                          The case involved a 69-year-old man who developed fever, headache, muscle pain, bone pain and retro-orbital pain on March 23 while he was in Indonesia. He came back to Hong Kong on March 24 and was admitted to a private hospital on Hong Kong Island the next day. He was discharged on March 30 and is now in stable condition.

                          CHP's investigation revealed that the man went to Indonesia between March 10 and 24. All of his travel companions and family contacts are asymptomatic.

                          Eight cases of dengue fever have been reported to the CHP this year. A total of 42 cases of dengue fever were reported in 2008. All were classified as imported cases.

                          A spokesman for the CHP urged the public to stay alert to the threat of dengue fever and to help prevent mosquito breeding by taking the following measures:
                          * Put all used cans and bottles into dustbins with covers;
                          * Change water for plants at least once a week, leaving no water in the saucers underneath flower pots;
                          * Tightly cover all water containers, wells and water storage tanks, and
                          * Keep all drains free from blockage.

                          Travellers should take the following preventive measures:
                          * Wear long-sleeved tops and trousers;
                          * Use insect repellent on the exposed parts of the body, and
                          * Use mosquito screens or nets when rooms are not air-conditioned.

                          Anyone feeling unwell after returning from their trip should consult a doctor as soon as possible and provide details of their travel to the doctor.

                          The latest information on dengue fever in other places can be found under "Travel Health News" on the Hong Kong Travel Health Service website at www.travelhealth.gov.hk/eindex.html.

                          Travel agents, tour guides and travellers can visit the website for the latest news and advice on preventive measures.
                          -

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                          • #14
                            Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (April 2009+)

                            Hong Kong: A case of EV71 confirmed (4/7/2009) [CHP]

                            The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (April 7) investigating a confirmed case of Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection involving a two-year-old boy and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.


                            A CHP spokesman said the boy presented with cough, runny nose, and skin rash over the feet and an oral ulcer since March 27. He sought medical treatment from Tuen Mun Hospital on March 27 and did not require hospitalization. He is now in stable condition. His stool specimen was tested positive for EV71.

                            Earlier on, the boy's mother had symptoms of Hand-Food-Mouth-Disease and was also confirmed to be an EV71 infection. She did not require hospitalization. CHP's investigation revealed that the boy lived with his maternal grandparents and they are asymptomatic.

                            This is the 14th case reported to the CHP this year. There were 16 cases of EV71 in 2006, 12 in 2007 and 98 in 2008.

                            For more information, people may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
                            -

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                            • #15
                              Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (April 2009+)

                              Hong Kong: Case of EV71 confirmed (4/8/2009) [CHP]

                              The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (April 8) investigating a confirmed case of Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection involving a 1-year-old boy and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.


                              A CHP spokesman said the boy, living on the Mainland, presented with fever, cough, runny nose, rash over hands and feet and oral ulcers on April 1. He came to Hong Kong on April 2 and attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital. He was not admitted to hospital and is now in a stable condition. His stool specimen tested positive for EV71. The boy's family members on the Mainland are asymptomatic.

                              This is the 15th case reported to the CHP this year. There were 16 cases of EV71 in 2006, 12 in 2007 and 98 in 2008.

                              For more information, people may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
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