Via the Centre for Health Protection: Outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease in kindergarten cum child care centre under CHP investigation.
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 5) investigating an outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in a kindergarten cum child care centre in Sham Shui Po affecting 21 pupils, and hence appealed to the public to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent HFMD.
The affected pupils, comprising 15 boys and six girls aged from 1 to 5, have developed oral ulcers as well as rash and vesicles on their hands or feet since July 7.
All affected pupils subsequently sought medical consultation and did not require hospitalisation. They are currently in stable condition.
The stool specimen of one of the affected pupils tested positive both for Enterovirus 71 (EV71) and Coxsackie virus A6 upon laboratory testing by the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the CHP.
Officers of the CHP have conducted site visits 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.
