The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (July 22) investigating a case of severe paediatric enterovirus (EV) infection, and again urged the public and institutions to maintain strict hand, personal and environmental hygiene.
The case involves a 1-month-old baby girl, with good past health, who presented with fever and decreased appetite on July 3. She was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Mary Hospital for medical attention on the same day and was admitted for management. The patient's condition remained stable and she was discharged on July 9.
Laboratory tests of her cerebrospinal fluid specimen were positive for EV. The clinical diagnosis was meningitis.
Investigations are ongoing.
A spokesman for the CHP said that as EV infection is transmitted by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, the public should be vigilant and observe the following preventive measures:
- Wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet and changing diapers;
- Cover the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing;
- Maintain good ventilation; and
- Thoroughly clean toys or appliances which are contaminated by nasal or oral secretions.
Children suffering from EV infection should stay at home and avoid contact with other children until they have recovered.
The public may visit the CHP's page on hand, foot and mouth disease and EV71 infection for more information.
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