Giuseppe
Emeritus
[Source: Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong PRC SAR, full text: (LINK).]
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Public urged to prevent hand, foot and mouth disease
28 November 2011
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 28) called on people to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD).
The appeal followed an outbreak of HFMD at a kindergarten-cum-child care centre in Kwun Tong affecting 21 students aged from 2 to 5.
Those affected, comprising 10 males and 11 females, have developed oral ulcers, fever, vesicles and rash on hands or feet since October 27.
None have required hospitalisation. All affected children are currently in a stable condition. Staff of the CHP have conducted a site visit and provided health advice to the staff.
HFMD is a common disease in children and is usually caused by enteroviruses such as Coxsackie viruses and EV71.
To prevent HFMD, members of the public, especially management of institutions, should adopt the following measures:
-28 November 2011
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 28) called on people to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD).
The appeal followed an outbreak of HFMD at a kindergarten-cum-child care centre in Kwun Tong affecting 21 students aged from 2 to 5.
Those affected, comprising 10 males and 11 females, have developed oral ulcers, fever, vesicles and rash on hands or feet since October 27.
None have required hospitalisation. All affected children are currently in a stable condition. Staff of the CHP have conducted a site visit and provided health advice to the staff.
HFMD is a common disease in children and is usually caused by enteroviruses such as Coxsackie viruses and EV71.
To prevent HFMD, members of the public, especially management of institutions, should adopt the following measures:
- Maintain good air circulation;
- Wash hands before meals and after going to the toilet, handling diapers or other stool-soiled materials;
- Keep hands clean and wash hands properly, especially when they are made dirty by respiratory secretions, such as after sneezing;
- Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and mouth discharge properly;
- Clean children's toys and other objects thoroughly and frequently with 1:99 diluted household bleach, 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.
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