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Hong Kong, Public urged to stay vigilant against hand, foot and mouth disease (October 21 2011): HFMD activity has been increasing recently
[Source: Department of Health, Hong Kong PRC SAR, full text: (LINK).]
Public urged to stay vigilant against hand, foot and mouth disease
21 October 2011
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 21) reminded members of the public to stay vigilant and take preventive measures against hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in view of a recent rise in HFMD activity.
The CHP has noted that HFMD activity has been increasing recently.
The number of institutional outbreaks of HFMD recorded by the CHP in the first three weeks of October (as of October 20) was 25, while 15 and 23 HFMD outbreaks were recorded in August and September respectively.
The sentinel surveillance system based at general practitioner clinics, child care centres and kindergartens has also detected an increase in HFMD activity.
A CHP spokesman said the recent increase is compatible with the seasonal pattern of HFMD in Hong Kong.
While the peak season of HFMD infection in Hong Kong is usually between May and July, a small peak of HFMD activity also occurred from October to December in the past few years.
"We will continue to closely monitor the situation," the spokesman said.
The spokesman added that the CHP today sent letters to child care centres and kindergartens to alert them to the latest HFMD infection situation and provide advice on prevention and control.
The spokesman reminded the public to strictly maintain personal and environmental hygiene to prevent HFMD infection.
They are advised to:
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Public urged to stay vigilant against hand, foot and mouth disease
21 October 2011
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 21) reminded members of the public to stay vigilant and take preventive measures against hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in view of a recent rise in HFMD activity.
The CHP has noted that HFMD activity has been increasing recently.
The number of institutional outbreaks of HFMD recorded by the CHP in the first three weeks of October (as of October 20) was 25, while 15 and 23 HFMD outbreaks were recorded in August and September respectively.
The sentinel surveillance system based at general practitioner clinics, child care centres and kindergartens has also detected an increase in HFMD activity.
A CHP spokesman said the recent increase is compatible with the seasonal pattern of HFMD in Hong Kong.
While the peak season of HFMD infection in Hong Kong is usually between May and July, a small peak of HFMD activity also occurred from October to December in the past few years.
"We will continue to closely monitor the situation," the spokesman said.
The spokesman added that the CHP today sent letters to child care centres and kindergartens to alert them to the latest HFMD infection situation and provide advice on prevention and control.
The spokesman reminded the public to strictly maintain personal and environmental hygiene to prevent HFMD infection.
They are advised to:
- Wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet and changing diapers;
- Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, and properly dispose of nasal and mouth discharge;
- Never share personal items such as towels and eating utensils;
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, furniture and toilets regularly with bleach and water in 1:99 concentration (one part household bleach to 99 parts water);
- Disinfect toys/places which are contaminated by secretions or excreta with household bleach and water in 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 does not subside
- - Repeated vomiting
- - Persistent sleepiness or drowsiness
- - Myoclonic jerks
- Children suffering from HFMD should refrain from going to school and avoid contact with other children until they recover completely; and
- Parents should maintain close communication with schools to let them know the latest situation of the sick children.
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