The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (November 4) 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 12-year-old boy with congenital heart disease. He developed fever and seizure on October 31. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Caritas Medical Centre and was admitted for management on the same day. The patient is now in a stable condition.
A laboratory test of his cerebrospinal fluid specimen was positive for EV. The clinical diagnosis was meningitis.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. His father and mother developed upper respiratory tract infection symptoms two weeks ago and have both already recovered. His other home contacts have remained asymptomatic. The school he attends has had no reported outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease. The CHP's 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 that 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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