Announcement

**Giuseppe** · April 30, 2008, 10:49 AM

Re: _|HK, CHINA PRC SAR: EV71 SURVEILLANCE|_

Joint departmental efforts to prevent EV71
April 30 2008, 13.28.00

An inter-departmental meeting was held today (April 30) on the latest Enterovirus (EV71) situation in Hong Kong and neighbouring areas as well as to review current preventive and control measures taken by various parties against the disease.

The meeting was organised by the Centre for Health (CHP) of the Department of Health in anticipation of an increase in EV71 activity during the peak season in summer.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the Education Bureau (EDB), Hospital Authority (HA), Social Welfare Department (SWD), Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and Leisure and Cultural Services Department.

Speaking after the meeting, the CHP's Consultant, Community Medicine (Communicable Disease), Dr S K Chuang, said departments concerned agreed that concerted efforts from all sectors of the community are of paramount importance in guarding against the disease.

Dr Chuang said the meeting also discussed further preventive and control strategies being carried out by different parties, as well as planning for scenarios where individual childcare centres and schools are advised to suspend lessons due to EV71 outbreaks.

Dr Chuang said examples of such scenarios included occurrence of further cases in an institution attended by a confirmed EV71 case after stepping up control measures, and occurrence of an EV71 case who is suffering from severe complications and the institution the child is attending has an associated Hand-Food-and-Mouth disease (HFMD) outbreak.

''As the virus may be excreted in stools for some weeks and EV71 is associated with a higher risk of complication, as an extra precaution, a child who has EV71 infection is advised not to go to school for another two weeks after all symptoms have subsided,'' Dr Chuang said.

EV71 is a viral infection usually found among young children.

It is also one of the causative agents for HFMD. EV71 and HFMD most commonly affect children and EV71 infections have occurred sporadically in Hong Kong in past years.

Dr Chuang said the CHP had recorded ten EV71 cases so far this year, which was higher than the corresponding periods in previous years.

The number of EV71 cases in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 were 35, 8, 16 and 12 respectively.

She added that only a minority of HFMD cases in Hong Kong was caused by EV71 and the CHP's surveillance data showed a mild increase in HFMD activity this month.

''We have already put in place surveillance systems for HFMD and EV71 infections including outbreak notification, sentinel clinics, and laboratory surveillance,'' Dr Chuang said.

Regarding the recent outbreak in Anhui Province, Dr Chuang said the CHP was maintaining close contact with the Ministry of Health of the People's Republic of China on the development.

The CHP has also maintained close communication with the Health Department of Guangdong Province to keep updated on the situation there.

The interdepartmental meeting agreed to carry out the following measures to strengthen the prevention and control of EV71:

* In view of the anticipated summer peak season and the recent situation in neighbouring areas, the CHP, SWD and EDB will send letters to childcare centres and schools detailing the measures they should take to prevent EV71 infections. Earlier in March, the CHP had sent letters to these institutions to advise them about the importance of good personal and environmental hygiene in the prevention of HFMD and EV71.

* With the coordination of the SWD and EDB, the CHP will organise refresher health talks for the managements of childcare centres and schools over the next few weeks with a view to enhancing their knowledge in preventing EV71.

* The departments concerned will launch intensified community education campaigns against EV71 and HFMD via television, radio, at public venues and other channels before the arrival of the EV71 peak season.

* The CHP will issue letters to doctors updating them on the latest situation and solicit their assistance to provide health advice to parents.

"The CHP has also published a guideline on the clinical diagnosis and management of EV71 and uploaded it onto the CHP's website www.chp.gov.hk. for doctors' reference,'' Dr Chuang said.

The HA has also updated their clinical guideline on enteroviral infection.

To prevent HFMD and EV71 infection, members of the public are urged to strictly observe personal and environmental hygiene.

While in Hong Kong or during travel, members of the public are advised to:--

* Wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet and changing diapers;

* Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, and proper disposal 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 diluted bleach of 1:99 concentration (one part household bleach to 99 parts water);

* Disinfect toys/places which are contaminated by secretions or excreta with diluted household bleach of 1:99 concentration;

* 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 not subsided;
-- Repeated vomiting;
-- Persistent sleepiness or drowsiness;
-- Myoclonic jerks

* Children suffering from HFMD should stay at home and avoid contact with other children until they are completely recovered.

Parents should maintain close communication with schools to let them know the latest situation of the sick children.

More information on the preventive measures against EV71 and HFMD can be found on the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk).
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Joint departmental efforts to prevent EV71 (with photo)

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200804/30/P200804300269.htm

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**Shiloh** · May 4, 2008, 04:48 PM

Re: _|HK, CHINA PRC SAR: EV71 SURVEILLANCE|_

Source: http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_d...348&con_type=1

Parents warned of China flu threat as holiday looms

Damon Pang

Monday, May 05, 2008

ADVERTISEMENT

An infectious diseases expert has warned that parents taking their children to the mainland for the long Buddhas Birthday holiday face a high risk of cross-border enterovirus 71 infection.

The intestinal virus has already killed 22 children in Anhui where more than 4,500 were affected. Nearby Guangdong has reported three deaths.

Specialist Lo Wing-lok said EV71 has already become an endemic disease in the Northern Hemisphere because summer has arrived much earlier.

The warning came ahead of next weeks long weekend that could see cross-border trips to the mainland rise significantly.

The deaths in Guangdong province have proved the virus is active in the region, and the risks are getting higher with the frequent cross-border trips, Lo said.

He attributed the high mortality rate in the mainland to the low vigilance of most people about the disease.

If people continue to neglect the situation and allow those who are infected to go to schools and kindergartens, it can lead to a widespread outbreak.

Hong Kong University Centre of Infection vice president Ho Pak-leung said EV71 commonly called hand-foot- mouth disease can be transmitted to Hong Kong from Southeast Asia.

Thomas Tsang Ho-fai, of the Centre for Health Protection, earlier reported 10 cases in Hong Kong as at the end of last month more than the same period last year.

There were 12 EV71 cases in total last year, compared to 16, eight and 35 in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

Though there has been no outbreak or mutation of the disease in Hong Kong this year, Tsang warned the death rate may be as high as 10 to 20 percent.

EV71 in Singapore in 2000 affected several thousand children, resulting in four deaths.

Tsang expects the number of cases this summer to increase. He said EV71 mainly infects children and has symptoms like fever, loss of appetite and blisters in the mouth. It can lead to complications such as pneumonia and myocarditis.

Tsang reminded parents to pay attention to personal hygiene for their children.

The mainlands Ministry of Health last week set up a task force to treat and prevent the spread of EV71, and has communicated with the World Health Organization and health authorities in Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

Meanwhile, the WHO yesterday dismissed claims that local authorities in China had covered up the outbreak of a deadly virus, as it sought to calm fears about the epidemic.

The reason why there was a delay in the reporting at the provincial level was that they didnt know what the causes for these different cases were, said Dr Hans Troedsson, WHOs China representative.

**Giuseppe** · May 5, 2008, 04:26 AM

Re: _|HK, CHINA PRC SAR: EV71 SURVEILLANCE|_

Transcript of SFH on EV71 and SARS Trust Fund
May 5 2008, 10.41.00

Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, at a stand-up media session after attending the opening ceremony of the Hospital Authority Convention 2008 today (May 5):

Reporter: (EV71)

Secretary for Food and Health:
We are very concerned about the increase in EV71 virus infection.
Although in Hong Kong right now, we only have 10 identifiable cases, we can see that from Mainland and also neighbouring territories like Singapore and Taiwan, there are a few thousand of cases in each of these places.

Every year, from May to July, it is usually the peak season.
This is early May right now, we are very concerned whether the incidence will also increase in Hong Kong in the coming months.

The Centre for Health Protection will work together with the Hospital Authority so that we can announce any new cases that are in Hong Kong identifiable by our paediatricians in the Hospital Authority.

So far, the situation is not serious but we can foresee that the incidence might climb up in the weeks ahead.

So, our advice to the public is to ensure children, in particular those below the age of six be more concerned about their hygiene, have regular hand washing, make sure that they have that before and after eating, and also when they go out to play and come back.

These are important aspects of control of infection.

It is very simple but usually not attended to properly by the family members and also the workers of the kindergartens and institutions.

Reporter: (situation)

Secretary for Food and Health:
The situation is well-known to the citizens, particularly with the wide broadcast by the media.

What we need to do is tell the public about the Hong Kong situation on a regular basis.

The virus is easily detectable by our laboratory in the Hong Kong hospitals. As soon as we know there is a new case, we inform the public.

We will be monitoring whether there will be outbreaks and also clusters of outbreaks particularly.

The work is important.

The Centre for Health Protection has identified a kindergarten that had more than a few cases and advised the kindergarten to close down so that the children can actually rest at home and be isolated from other children.
We will adopt the same policy in the future.

Reporter: (inaudible)

Secretary for Food and Health:
At the moment, there is no evidence that it is more virulent than the past years.

The incidence is higher.

When the incidence is higher, of course the number of the mortality will also increase.

I think it is important that we should try to ensure that our public knows what is happening and try to avoid going to places that might have a high incidence.

Reporter: (SARS Trust Fund)

Secretary for Food and Health:
I will look into the matter because that is handled by the special committee that is offering assistance to the SARS victims.
(Please also refer to the Chinese session of the transcript.)
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Transcript of SFH on EV71 and SARS Trust Fund

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200805/05/P200805050190.htm

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**Giuseppe** · May 6, 2008, 10:56 AM

Re: _|HK, CHINA PRC SAR: EV71 SURVEILLANCE|_

CHP investigating two cases of EV-71
May 6 2008, 13.08.50

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (May 6) confirmed two cases of Enterovirus-71 (EV-71) infection involving a one-year-old girl and a two-year-old boy and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.

The girl, who arrived in Hong Kong on April 25, developed fever and rash over her hands and feet on April 27. She was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital on May 1 and was discharged yesterday. Laboratory result of her stool specimen today confirmed EV71 infection. Preliminary investigation revealed that the girl lived with her parents on the Mainland. CHP's investigation is on-going.

The boy developed symptoms of fever, cough and running nose on April 28 and had vesicular lesions on his mouth on April 30. He was admitted to a private hospital on May 1 and was discharged today. Laboratory result of his stool sample confirmed EV71 infection. Preliminary investigation revealed that the boy had travelled to the Mainland between April 23 and 27.

There are 12 cases of EV-71 infection reported to CHP so far this year.

There were 35, 8, 16 and 12 cases in the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively.

EV-71 is a viral infection usually found among young children.

It is also one of the causative agents for hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD).

A CHP spokesman said that May to August was the usual peak season for HFMD and EV71.

The infection is transmitted by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, people should be vigilant against the disease and observe the following preventive measures:

* Wash hands before eating and after going to toilet and changing diapers;

* Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing;

* Maintain good ventilation;

* Thoroughly clean toys or appliances which are contaminated by nasal or oral secretions.

Children suffering from the infection should stay at home and avoid contacting other children until they have recovered.

For more information, people may visit the CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
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http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/rss/general_en.xml

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**Giuseppe** · May 7, 2008, 10:39 AM

Re: _|HK, CHINA PRC SAR: EV71 SURVEILLANCE|_

Government stays vigilant against EV-71
May 7 2008, 13.44.05

The Government is on full alert to the threat of enterovirus (EV-71) infections and Hand-Foot-Mouth Diseases (HFMD) and is putting in place a comprehensive preventive and surveillance programme in Hong Kong to protect public health.

Speaking at the press conference today (May 7), the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH), Dr Thomas Tsang, said that Hong Kong should remain vigilant in view of recent upsurge in EV-71 infections and HFMD in some parts of the Mainland and neighbouring regions.

Describing this year's situation as challenging, he noted that Hong Kong is entering the traditional peak season of EV71 and HFMD.

''HFMD is commonly seen in infants and children. It occurs in Hong Kong throughout the year but more frequently in summer and early autumn,'' he said.

Recent surveillance figures suggested an increase in HFMD activity, he added.

The consultation rate for HFMD among sentinel general practitioner reported in April ranged from 1.3 to 1.9 per 1 000 consultations, which was higher than those reported in the previous month (ranged from 0.5 to 1.5 per 1 000 consultations).

Thirteen EV71 cases have been recorded so far this year, which was higher than the corresponding periods in previous years.

The number of EV71 cases in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 were 35, 8, 16 and 12 respectively.

There were totally 147 EV71 cases occurred in the past decade (1999 to 2008).

While most cases were mild and recovered spontaneously, two fatal cases had occurred in 1999 and 2000 respectively.

Dr Tsang explained that HFMD may be caused by a number of viruses, of which Coxsackie A virus is the most common in Hong Kong, accounting for about 75% of HFMD outbreaks.

He added that about 20 per cent of HFMD outbreaks in Hong Kong were caused by EV71.

EV71 is of particular concern because it has been associated with large outbreaks with childhood complications and fatalities in neighboring areas during the past decade.

''We have already put in place surveillance systems for HFMD and EV71 infection including outbreak notification, sentinel clinics, and laboratory surveillance,'' he said.
''We maintain close communication and exchange information with the Ministry of Health and the relevant health authorities to have the latest understanding of the situation in Mainland and neighouring areas.

Dr Tsang called for concerted efforts from all sectors of the society in preventing the infection.

He said that a wide range of health education activities organized by the Government has been stepped up among members of the public especially school management and parents.

''DH, the Education Bureau and the Social Welfare Department are co-organising five health talks on prevention of HFMD for kindergartens, child care centres, primary and secondary schools. The first talk will be held tomorrow (May 8).
''Letters with specific instructions had been sent to these institutions on May 5. Posters and pamphlets will be distributed to them. On the suspension of classes, ''CHP has conveyed to schools under what conditions they would be advised to suspend classes due to HFMD outbreaks,'' Dr Tsang said.

Scenarios may include occurrence of further cases in an institution attended by a confirmed EV71 case after stepping up control measures, or occurrence of an EV71 case who is suffering from severe complication and the institution the child is attending has an associated HFMD outbreak.

''CHP will closely monitor local and overseas situation and will review the advice for school suspension accordingly,'' he added.

Regarding measures to prevent travelers from acquiring the infection from abroad, DH's Port Health Office will distribute HFMD pamphlets at immigration checkpoints.

The tourism industry has also been informed of the latest regional situation and preventive measures. Publicity for tourists and communications with the travel industries has also been strengthened.

There were also new measures in collaboration with healthcare providers. ''CHP is working together with the Hospital Authority and private hospitals to implement an expanded surveillance system for the early detection of children with severe complications caused by enterovirus, influenza, and possibly other pathogens,'' Dr Tsang said, adding that the system will be put in place this Friday (May 9).

Letters have been issued to all doctors last Friday (May 2) on the latest situation and management of HFMD and EV-71 in Hong Kong and neighouring areas so as to enhance case detection, clinical diagnosis and management, as well as dissemination of health advice.

Turning to public communication, ''To keep the public abreast of the latest situation, CHP will produce a daily report of HFMD/EV71 on its website www.chp.gov.hk starting this Friday (May 9). This daily report will present the situation in Hong Kong and neighbouring areas.''.
''Besides, broadcast of TV and radio announcements will be intensified to increase public alertness,'' Dr Tsang said.

To prevent HFM and EV-71 infection, members of the public are urged to stay vigilant and strictly observe personal and environmental hygiene.

While in Hong Kong or during travel, members of the public are advised to:--
* Wash hands before eating and after going to toilet and changing diapers;
* Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, and proper disposal of nasal and mouth discharge;
* Never share personal items such as towels and eating utensils;
* Clean and disinfect frequently touched surface, furniture and toilets regularly with diluted bleach of 1:99 concentration (one portion of household bleach adding 99 portion of water);
* Disinfect toys/places which are contaminated by secretions or excreta with diluted household bleach of 1:99 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 not subsided;
- Repeated vomiting;
- Persistent sleepiness or drowsiness;
- Myoclonic jerks
* Children suffering from HFMD should stay at home and avoid contacting other children until they are completely recovered;
* Parents should maintain close communication with schools to let them know the latest situation of the sick children.

More information on the preventive measures against EV-71 and HFMD can be found in the website of CHP (http://www.chp.gov.hk).
-

Government stays vigilant against EV-71

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200805/07/P200805070281.htm

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**Giuseppe** · May 7, 2008, 10:41 AM

Re: _|HK, CHINA PRC SAR: EV71 SURVEILLANCE|_

CHP investigating case of EV-71
May 7 2008, 13.15.00

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (May 7) confirmed a case of Enterovirus-71 (EV-71) infection involving a seven-year-old boy and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.

The boy lives in Shenzhen.

He developed rash over his hands and feet on May 3 and consulted doctor in Shenzhen.

He travelled to Hong Kong on May 5, attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Prince of Wales Hospital and was later transferred to Princess Margaret Hospital.

He was discharged yesterday. Laboratory result of his stool specimen confirmed EV71 infection.

CHP's investigation is on-going.

There are 13 cases of EV-71 infection reported to CHP so far this year.

There were 35, 8, 16 and 12 cases in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively. .

EV-71 is a viral infection usually found among young children. It is also one of the causative agents for hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD).

A CHP spokesman said that May to August was the usual peak season for HFMD and EV71.

The infection is transmitted by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, people should be vigilant against the disease and observe the following preventive measures:
* Wash hands before eating and after going to toilet and changing diapers;
* Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing;
* Maintain good ventilation;
* Thoroughly clean toys or appliances which are contaminated by nasal or oral secretions.
Children suffering from the infection should stay at home and avoid contacting other children until they have recovered.

For more information, people may visit the CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
-

CHP investigating case of EV-71

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200805/07/P200805070262.htm

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**Giuseppe** · May 9, 2008, 11:30 AM

Re: _|HK, CHINA PRC SAR: EV71 SURVEILLANCE|_

CHP's website provides update information on EV71
May 9 2008, 14.56.00

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is closely monitoring the trend of hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) and enterovirus 71 (EV71) infections in the community and neighbouring areas and will update the public the latest situation on its website from today (May 9).

A CHP spokesman said the daily report would summarise situations in selected neighbouring areas where severe HFMD and EV71 outbreaks were detected.

"It will also contain information on suspected entervoirus infection with severe complications collected through an enhanced surveillance system jointly launched by DH, the Hospital Authority and private hospitals," the spokesman said.

The report also covers the latest local HFMD and EV71 situations.

For surveillance purpose, statistics on HFMD outbreaks also include those with herpangina as they may share similar symptoms such as fever, sorethroat, and oral ulcers.

"Like HFMD, herpangina is caused by enterovirus, most commonly coxsackie virus and may also be caused by EV71, and is usually self-limiting. Severe complication is rare," he said.

"We hope that the daily report can enhance our communication with the public," the spokesman said.

The daily report can be downloaded at CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk).

A mini-webpage containing health information on Prevention of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease has also been set up in the CHP website.

As Hong Kong is entering the traditional peak season of HFMD and EV71 outbreaks, the spokesman said that CHP would continue to carry out publicity in the coming weeks to keep people better informed. He also reminded people to strictly observed personal and environmental hygiene to prevent infections.
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http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/rss/general_en.xml

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**Giuseppe** · May 9, 2008, 11:32 AM

Re: _|HK, CHINA PRC SAR: EV71 SURVEILLANCE|_

An EV-71 infection case confirmed
May 9 2008, 13.16.20

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (May 9) confirmed a case of Enterovirus-71 (EV-71) infection involving a four-year-old girl.

A CHP spokesman said the kindergarten-cum-child care centre the girl attending in Tseung Kwan O is advised to suspend classes for two weeks starting tomorrow.

He said the school involved is AEFCHK-EFCC-Verbena Nursery school.

A total of eight school children developed symptoms of Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (HFMD) between April 23 and May 5.

They sought treatment from private doctors and none required hospitalization.

Among them, a four-year-old girl developed fever, oral ulcers and vesicles on hands and feet since May 2. Laboratory result of her stool specimens today confirmed EV71 infection.

CHP advised the school to suspend classes for two weeks for thorough cleansing and disinfection.

"This is a precautionary measure to prevent further spreading of disease in the school. CHP had conducted field visit and provided health instructions to the staff. "CHP will keep a close watch on the situation. Parents are advised to pay attention to the health condition of their children, and to remind them to observe good personal and environmental hygiene."

Today's case is the 14th case of EV-71 infection reported to CHP so far this year.

There were 35, 8, 16 and 12 cases in the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively. .

For more information, people may visit the CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
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An EV-71 infection case confirmed

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200805/09/P200805090250.htm

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**Giuseppe** · May 14, 2008, 10:35 AM

Re: _|HK, CHINA PRC SAR: EV71 SURVEILLANCE|_

Four EV71 cases confirmed
May 14 2008, 15.12.00

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (May 14) confirmed four cases of Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection involving four children aged between one and six.

Members of the public are urged to be vigilant against the disease.

The first case involved a three-year-old boy. He developed symptoms of fever, oral lesion and rash over hands and feet on May 10. He was admitted to the United Christian Hospital on May 11 and was discharged yesterday. Laboratory result of his stool specimen confirmed EV71 infection.

Thirteen other children of the kindergarten cum child care centre the boy attending also developed symptoms of Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (HFMD) between April 13 and May 5.

They sought treatment from private doctors and none of them required hospitalization.

A CHP spokesman said all the 14 affected children had been advised to stay at home for at least two weeks after all symptoms subsided.

The second case involved a six-year-old boy who presented with oral and foot lesions on May 9. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Yan Chai Hospital on May 10 and was later transferred to Princess Margaret Hospital for suspected HFMD. The patient was discharged on May 11. Laboratory result of his throat swab confirmed EV71 infection. The boy stayed at Fujian from April 26 to May 9.

The kindergarten he attended had no recent report of HFMD.

The third case involved a three-year-old girl who lived with her parents in Dongguan. She developed sore throat and rash over hands and feet on May 10. She arrived in Hong Kong on May 12 and was admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital the same day. The girl was discharged today. Laboratory result of her throat swab confirmed EV71 infection.

The last case involved a one-year-old boy who lived with his parents in Foshan. He developed fever, oral lesion and rash over his hands and feet on May 9 and consulted medical practitioners in the mainland. He travelled to Hong Kong for medical treatment and was admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital on the next day (May 10). He is now in stable condition. His throat swab was found positive for EV71.

A total of 18 EV71 infection cases were reported to CHP so far this year.

There were 35, 8, 16 and 12 cases in the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively. .

For more information, people may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
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Four EV71 cases confirmed

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200805/14/P200805140311.htm

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**Giuseppe** · May 17, 2008, 10:48 AM

Re: _|HK, CHINA PRC SAR: EV71 SURVEILLANCE|_

CHP investigating two cases of EV-71
May 17 2008, 11.15.00

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (May 17) confirmed two cases of Enterovirus-71 (EV-71) infection involving a seven-year-old girl and a four-year-old boy and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.

The girl developed symptoms of fever, oral ulcers and vesicles on her hands and feet on May 11. She sought medical treatment from a private doctor and hospitalisation was not required. She is in stable condition and the symptoms subsided. Laboratory result of her stool specimen today confirmed EV71 infection.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the family members of the girl did not have HFMD symptoms.

Five other children of the primary school in Tin Shui Wai the girl attending developed symptoms of Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (HFMD) between May 8 and 16.

They sought treatments from private doctors and none of them required hospitalisation.

The four-year-old boy developed symptoms of fever, oral ulcers and vesicles on his hands and feet on May 9. He sought medical treatment at a government out-patients clinic and hospitalisation was not required. Laboratory result of his stool sample today confirmed EV71 infection.

Two other children and a staff member of the kindergarten in Sha Tin the boy attending also developed HFMD symptoms between May 6 and 13. None of them required hospitalisation.

A CHP spokesman said all the affected people in these two cases had been advised to stay at home for at least two weeks after all symptoms subsided.

Twenty cases of EV-71 infection have been reported to CHP so far this year.

There were 35, eight, 16 and 12 cases in the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively.

EV-71 is a viral infection usually found among young children. It is also one of the causative agents for hand-foot-mouth disease.

A CHP spokesman said that May to August was the usual peak season for HFMD and EV71.

The infection is transmitted by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, people should be vigilant against the disease and observe the following preventive measures:

* Wash hands before eating and after going to toilet and changing diapers;

* Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing;

* Maintain good ventilation;

* Thoroughly clean toys or appliances which are contaminated by nasal or oral secretions.

Children suffering from the infection should stay at home and avoid contacting other children until they have recovered.

For more information, people may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
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CHP investigating two cases of EV-71

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200805/17/P200805170160.htm

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**Shiloh** · May 19, 2008, 07:35 AM

Re: _|HK, CHINA PRC SAR: EV71 SURVEILLANCE|_

Source: http://www.news.gov.hk/en/category/h...519en05012.htm

May 19, 2008
EV71 confirmed in 2 infants
*
Centre for Health Protection

The Centre for Health Protection today confirmed two cases of Enterovirus-71 infection involving a year-old boy and a two-year-old girl, bringing this year's total to 22.

The boy came down with a fever and rash on May 7. He was admitted to United Christian Hospital May 10 and was discharged May 13.

The girl came down with a fever, oral ulcers and a rash on May 12. Seven other children and one staff member of the childcare centre she attended also developed hand-foot-mouth disease symptoms May 2 to 13. All have sought treatment from private doctors.

EV-71 is a viral infection usually found among young children and is also a causative agent for hand-foot-mouth disease. It is transmitted by direct contact with nose and throat discharges. May to August is the usual peak season.

There were 12 cases last year, 35 in 2004, eight in 2005 and 16 in 2006. For more health tips click here.

**Giuseppe** · May 19, 2008, 11:13 AM

Re: _|HK, CHINA PRC SAR: EV71 SURVEILLANCE|_

CHP confirms two cases of EV-71 infection
May 19 2008, 13.31.23

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (May 19) confirmed two cases of Enterovirus-71 (EV-71) infection involving a 1-year-old boy and a 2-year-old girl.

A CHP spokesman said the boy developed fever and rash over his hands and feet on May 7. He was admitted to United Christian Hospital on May 10 and was discharged on May 13. Laboratory result of his stool sample confirmed EV71 infection.

The girl developed fever, oral ulcers and rash on hands and feet on May 12. Laboratory result of her stool specimens confirmed EV71 infection.

Seven other children and one staff member of the kindergarten/child care centre she attended also developed symptoms of Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (HFMD) between May 2 and 13.

All of them sought treatment from private doctors and none required hospitalisation.

Twenty-two cases of EV-71 infection have been reported to CHP so far this year.

There were 35, eight, 16 and 12 cases in the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively.

EV-71 is a viral infection usually found among young children. It is also one of the causative agents for hand-foot-mouth disease.

A CHP spokesman said that May to August was the usual peak season for HFMD and EV71.

The infection is transmitted by direct contact with nose and throat discharges.

People should be vigilant against the disease and observe the following preventive measures:

* Wash hands before eating and after going to toilet and changing diapers;
* Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing;
* Maintain good ventilation;
* Thoroughly clean toys or appliances which are contaminated by nasal or oral secretions.

Children suffering from the infection should stay at home and avoid contacting other children until they have recovered.

For more information, people may visit the CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
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CHP confirms two cases of EV-71 infection

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200805/19/P200805190232.htm

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**Shiloh** · May 20, 2008, 09:12 AM

Re: _|HK, CHINA PRC SAR: EV71 SURVEILLANCE|_

Source: http://www.news.gov.hk/en/category/h...520en05008.htm
May 20, 2008
Health
*
2 EV-71 infections confirmed
*
Centre for Health Protection

The Centre for Health Protection today confirmed two Enterovirus-71 cases involving two girls aged four and one, bringing the year's total to 24.

The four-year-old girl came down with fever, oral ulcers and blisters on her hands and feet on May 18. She has been admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital and is in serious condition.

The kindergarten-cum-childcare centre she attends has had no hand-foot-mouth disease outbreak. But her six-year-old sister is one of the six confirmed cases in a Yuen Long primary school. Both schools have been advised to take disinfection measures.

The year-old girl lived in Shenzhen and came down with a fever on May 15. She was admitted to Tsuen Wan Adventist Hospital the next day and was discharged yesterday.

EV-71 is a viral infection usually found among young children and is also a causative agent for hand-foot-mouth disease. It is transmitted by direct contact with nose and throat discharges. May to August is the usual peak season.

There were 12 cases last year, 35 in 2004, eight in 2005 and 16 in 2006.

**Giuseppe** · May 21, 2008, 02:25 AM

Re: _|HK, CHINA PRC SAR: EV71 SURVEILLANCE|_

LCQ17: On guard against Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease and EV-71 infections
May 21 2008, 7.09.55

Following is a question by the Hon Frederick Fung and a written reply by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, in the Legislative Council today (May 21):

Question: As reported, an epidemic of enteroviral infections among young children has swept through a number of mainland cities in recent months, resulting in several thousand hospital admissions and dozens of deaths so far. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(a) whether it has grasped the latest information about the epidemic on the Mainland, including the types of viral strains found in such cases in various places, the transmission mode of the disease, the mutation of the virus, etc., and whether it has, based on the relevant information, assessed the risk of an outbreak of an epidemic of enteroviral infections in Hong Kong; if it has, of the results; if not, the reasons for that;
(b) of the number of enteroviral illness cases found in Hong Kong in recent months; whether it has analysed the transmission mode for such cases and the trend of infections, as well as compared them with the epidemic on the Mainland; if so, of the results of analysis; and
(c) of the specific measures to prevent a local outbreak of an epidemic of enteroviral infections, for example, whether it will strengthen monitoring and raise the hygiene levels in high-risk places such as child care centres and kindergartens, and expeditiously disseminate information about the epidemic to members of the public?

Reply: Madam President, The Government is on guard against Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (HFMD) and Enterovirus (EV-71) infections and is implementing comprehensive preventive, control and surveillance measures to protect public health.
In view of recent upsurge in HFMD and EV-71 infections in some parts of the Mainland and neighbouring regions including Taiwan and Singapore, Hong Kong should remain vigilant.
Our reply to the various parts of the question is as follows-
(a) The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) has already put in place a surveillance system to closely monitor HFMD and EV-71 infections in Hong Kong and neighbouring regions.
The surveillance system includes outbreak notification, laboratory surveillance and sentinel surveillance at specific clinics and child care centres.
In addition, the CHP has maintained close liaison with the Ministry of Health and the health authorities of Guangdong Province and Macao through an established mechanism.
A point-to-point instant communication mechanism has also been set up among the three places to facilitate timely exchange of information about any sudden upsurge in infectious diseases of unknown nature or of public health significance.

In response to the recent situation of HFMD and EV-71 infections in the Mainland, the CHP has maintained good communication with the Ministry of Health and the health authorities of neighbouring places to keep track of the latest development.
HFMD is caused by viruses.
It is transmitted by direct contact with nasal and throat discharges, saliva, erupted blisters, or the stool of infected persons.

In Hong Kong, Coxsackie A virus is the most common causative agent for HFMD, causing about 75% of HFMD outbreaks.

EV-71 virus is another causative agent for HFMD and associated with some 20% of HFMD outbreaks in Hong Kong.

HFMD occurs in Hong Kong throughout the year and the peak is usually in summer time, particularly between May and August.
The surveillance figures of the CHP indicate that there has been an increase in HFMD cases in recent months.
According to surveillance figures reported in April, the consultation rate for HFMD cases among sentinel private doctors ranged from 1.3 to 1.9 cases per 1 000 consultations, which was higher than that reported in March (ranged from 0.5 to 1.5 cases per 1 000 consultations).

(b) From January 1 to May 19, 2008, a total of 22 cases of EV-71 infections were recorded in Hong Kong.
The figure is higher than that recorded in the corresponding period in previous years.

Details are as follows: Number of EV-71 cases in Hong Kong in recent years / Year / Number of cases / Number of fatal cases /
* 2004 / 35 / 0
* 2005 / 8 / 0
* 2006 / 16 / 0
* 2007 / 12 / 0
* 2008 (as at May 19) / 22 / 0

So far this year, the Mainland has recorded over 41 000 HFMD cases. Most occurred in Anhui Province, Guangdong Province, Jiangsu Province, Shanghai Municipality, Henan Province, Zhejiang Province, etc.
The mode of transmission of HFMD in the Mainland is similar to that in Hong Kong, i.e. usually through droplets and contact with erupted blisters or the stool of infected persons.

(c) For effective prevention and control of EV-71 infections and HFMD, there must be close collaboration among the Government, the healthcare sector, schools, institutions and parents to reinforce personal and environmental hygiene measures. It is also important to detect the disease at an early stage, to make prompt diagnosis and to closely monitor for outbreaks and swiftly adopt infection control measures.

The CHP has been working closely with the Hospital Authority and private hospitals to conduct surveillance on children with severe complications caused by Enterovirus since May 9.

The CHP may consider advising affected schools, child care centres or kindergartens to suspend classes for thorough cleansing and disinfection for a period of 14 days when situation warrants. The DH and related departments have briefed the management of schools and nurseries as well as parents on the latest development about EV-71 and HFMD and the preventive measures through health talks, letters, posters and leaflets. In addition, the CHP has issued guidelines on clinical diagnosis and management of EV-71 infections and HFMD to doctors to facilitate appropriate clinical treatments.

The DH will also distribute pamphlets about HFMD to travellers at immigration checkpoints and provide the tourist industry with the latest information. Timely risk communication can enhance understanding of the disease and raise the awareness among the general public. In this connection, the CHP has since May 9 uploaded onto its website (www.chp.gov.hk) a daily report on the latest development of EV-71 and HFMD in Hong Kong and neighbouring regions.

Besides, publicity through television and radio will also be intensified to increase public alertness.
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_|HK, CHINA PRC SAR: EV71 SURVEILLANCE|_

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