Hong Kong’s high HFMD activity in children prompts call for vigilance
Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health reminded parents and schools anew to stay vigilant as hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) activity continues to rise among children. The agency urged schools to report any outbreaks immediately.
According to the CHP’s latest surveillance data, HFMD clusters in schools and other institutions have increased over the past month. Reported outbreaks rose from 17 cases involving 50 people between October 26 and November 1, to 20 outbreaks (53 people) and 25 outbreaks (61 people) in the following two weeks. Between November 16 and 20, authorities recorded another 16 outbreaks affecting 40 people. Of the 78 outbreaks logged from October 26 to November 20, 82% occurred in child care centers, kindergartens and primary schools.
The CHP noted that consultation rates for HFMD at childcare centers, kindergartens, private clinics, and public hospital emergency departments have remained high since late October.
HFMD symptoms typically include fever, poor appetite, tiredness and sore throat, followed by mouth sores that may turn into ulcers. Most patients recover within seven to 10 days.
CHP Controller Dr. Edwin Tsui said HFMD is commonly caused by enteroviruses such as Coxsackie virus and EV71, and tends to peak in Hong Kong from May to July and again from October to December. He said parents should monitor their children closely as the current level of activity remains elevated.
While most cases are mild, he noted that three severe pediatric enterovirus infections requiring hospital treatment have been recorded this year, although all patients have since recovered.
He added that schools and institutions are more prone to outbreaks because young children are in close contact with one another. He reminded schools to follow the CHP’s Guidelines on Prevention of Communicable Diseases and to report outbreaks promptly. Operators of venues with play facilities were also advised to follow the CHP’s infection-control recommendations for activities involving children under six.
Dr. Tsui also pointed out that alcohol cannot reliably kill certain viruses that cause HFMD, including EV71. Alcohol-based handrubs should not replace washing hands with liquid soap and water.
To prevent HFMD, the public — especially school and institution administrators — are advised to observe the following measures:
• Maintain good air circulation.
• Keep hands clean and wash them properly. Handwashing should be done before meals, after using the toilet, after contact with respiratory secretions such as sneezing, and after handling diapers or stool-soiled materials.
• Cover the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, and dispose of nasal or oral discharges properly.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, including furniture, toys and shared items, using a 1:99 diluted household bleach solution (one part bleach with 99 parts water). Leave for 15–30 minutes, then rinse with water and keep dry.
• For visible contamination such as respiratory secretions, vomit or excreta, wipe the area with disposable absorbent towels, then disinfect with a 1:49 diluted bleach solution (one part bleach with 49 parts water). Leave for 15–30 minutes, then rinse with water and keep dry.
• Avoid overcrowded places.
• Keep sick children at home until fever and rashes subside and all blisters have dried and crusted.
– Info.Gov.Hk
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