Via the Centre for Health Protection: Outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease under CHP investigation. Excerpt:
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 30) investigating an outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) at a kindergarten and child care centre in Tuen Mun and hence appealed to the public to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent HFMD.
The affected 21 students comprise 11 boys and 10 girls aged between 2 and 5. They have developed oral ulcers, fever, rash and vesicles on their hands or feet since May 20.
All affected children sought medical consultation and no hospitalisation was required. They are all currently in stable condition.
The stool sample of one of the affected students tested positive for enterovirus (EV).
Officers of the CHP have conducted a site visit and provided health advice to the staff. The school has been put under medical surveillance.
HFMD is a common disease in children and is usually caused by enteroviruses such as Coxsackie viruses and EV71.
