CHP investigates case of severe paediatric enterovirus infection

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 6) 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 2-month-old girl, with good past health, who presented with fever and vomiting since August 26. She was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital for medical attention on the same day and was admitted for management on August 27. She was subsequently transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of the hospital for further management. The patient is now in a stable condition.

     A laboratory test of her cerebrospinal fluid specimen was positive for EV. The clinical diagnosis was meningitis.

     Initial enquiries revealed that the patient and her home contacts live in the Mainland. Her cousin, who has developed fever and vomiting since August 21, sought medical attention in the Mainland and has recovered now. The patient’s other home contacts have remained asymptomatic so far.

     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.