_|HK, CHINA PRC SAR: EV71 SURVEILLANCE|_

[Giuseppe]

Re: _|HK, CHINA PRC SAR: EV71 SURVEILLANCE|_

Case of EV71 under investigation
July 4 2008, 13.36.00

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has confirmed a case of Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.

A spokesman for the CHP said today (July 4) the case affected a one-year-old boy who developed fever, oral ulcers and rash over hands and feet on June 23. He was admitted to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital in Tai Po on June 27 and was discharged on June 30. Laboratory tests on his sample collected earlier showed positive result to EV71.

The boy travelled to Shenzhen in mid-June. His family members did not have relevant symptoms.

There have been 70 cases of EV71 infection reported to CHP so far this year. There were 35, 8, 16 and 12 cases in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively.

EV71 is a viral infection usually found among young children. It is also one of the causative agents for Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD).

A CHP spokesman said that May to August was the usual peak season for HFMD and EV71.

The infection is transmitted by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, people 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;
* 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 (http://www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
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http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200807/04/P200807040240.htm

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[Giuseppe]

Re: _|HK, CHINA PRC SAR: EV71 SURVEILLANCE|_

Three EV71 cases confirmed
July 9 2008, 12.32.00

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (July 9) confirmed three cases of Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection involving three boys aged between one and 15.

Members of the public are urged to be vigilant against the disease.

The first case involved a one-year-old boy. He developed fever, oral ulcers and rash on his hands and feet on July 2. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Caritas Medical Centre and was later transferred to Princess Margaret Hospital on July 4. He was discharged on July 7.

The second case involved a three-year-old boy who developed oral ulcers and rashes on his hands and feet on July 2. He sought medical treatment from a private doctor and no hospitalisation was required. At the nursery he attended, four other children, comprising three boys and a girl all aged three, had symptoms of hand, foot and mouth diseases between June 30 and July 2. All had received medical treatment without hospitalisation. They are in stable condition.

The CHP had already provided health advice to the nursery and is closely monitoring the situation.

The third case involved a 15-year-old boy who presented with fever, oral ulcers and rash on his hands and feet on July 3. He was admitted to the Baptist Hospital on July 6. He is now in stable condition. There is an outbreak at the school the boy attended. Laboratory results of the boys' specimens confirmed EV71 infection.

A total of 73 EV71 infection cases have been reported to CHP so far this year. There were 35, 8, 16 and 12 cases in the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively.

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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http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200807/09/P200807090285.htm

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