Hong Kong CHP investigate severe EV infection with meningitis in infant boy
Hong Kong health officials are urging the public to be alert to and vigilant against enterovirus in light of a severe pediatric case in a 2 month old boy, according to a Centre for Health Protection (CHP) press release Dec. 27.
According to the CHP, the infant presented with fever on December 14 and was admitted to a hospital in Shenzhen the next day (December 15). He then developed decrease in feeding, vomiting and diarrhea and was admitted to Tseung Kwan O Hospital on December 16. The clinical diagnosis was meningitis due to EV infection. His condition is stable and he was discharged on December 21.
His cerebrospinal fluid specimen cultured Coxsackie virus group B type 3.
Family members are reported to be asymptomatic.
Health officials offer the following preventive measures to take to avoid enterovirus infection:
- Wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet, clearing up vomitus or changing diapers;
- Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, and properly dispose of nasal and mouth discharge;
- Never share personal items such as towels and eating utensils;
- Maintain good ventilation;
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, furniture and toilets regularly with diluted bleach of 1:99 concentration (mixing 1 part of 5.25 per cent household bleach with 99 parts of water); and
- Disinfect toys/places which are contaminated by secretions or excreta with diluted household bleach of 1:49 concentration.
- Children suffering from the infection should stay at home and avoid contacting other children until they have recovered.
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