CHP investigates case of severe paediatric enterovirus infection
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (June 22) investigating a case of severe paediatric enterovirus (EV) infection, and reminded the public to maintain hand, personal and environmental hygiene.
The case involves a 10-year-old girl with good past health. She attended the Accident and Emergency Department of United Christian Hospital on June 17 due to fever, headache and vomiting, and was admitted for treatment. She remains hospitalised.
A laboratory test of her cerebrospinal fluid specimen was positive for EV. The clinical diagnosis was meningitis.
Preliminary investigation by the CHP revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. Her home contacts have remained asymptomatic for the time being. The CHP's investigations are ongoing.
EV infection is transmitted by direct contact with nose and throat discharges. Children suffering from EV infection should stay at home and avoid contact with other children until they have recovered. The public should be vigilant and observe the following preventive measures:
Wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet and changing diapers;
Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing;
Maintain good indoor ventilation; and
Thoroughly clean toys or appliances that are contaminated by nasal or oral secretions.
The public may visit the CHP's page on hand, foot and mouth disease and EV71 infection for more information.
CAD search and rescue exercise strengthens collaboration and responsiveness
The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) successfully completed a joint short-range Aeronautical Search and Rescue exercise today (January 12) in the waters near Mong Tung Wan on the Chi Ma Wan Peninsula, Lantau Island.
The exercise involved eight government departments and one search and rescue unit, namely CAD, the Government Flying Service (GFS), the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF), the Fire Services Department (FSD), the Marine Department (MD), the Civil Aid Service, the Auxiliary Medical Service and the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO), and the Hong Kong Garrison of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (Garrison) respectively.
Today's exercise simulated a helicopter crashing into the sea near Mong Tung Wan on Lantau Island. With the concerted efforts of helicopters and vessels dispatched by the Garrison, the GFS, the HKPF, and the FSD, all three people on board were rescued. The exercise lasted one hour, mobilising around 100 personnel from the participating units.
A spokesperson for the Civil Aviation Department said, "In accordance with the recommendations of the International Civil Aviation Organization, CAD regularly organises Aeronautical Search and Rescue exercises to strengthen co-operation and co-ordination among relevant search and rescue units and promote technical exchanges. This is to ensure a rapid and effective response in the event of an emergency."
This Aeronautical Search and Rescue exercise is divided into two parts: a short-range search and rescue exercise conducted today in the waters near Mong Tung Wan on Lantau Island; and a long-range search and rescue exercise to be conducted tomorrow (January 13) in the South China Sea, approximately 50 nautical miles south of Hong Kong. CAD, together with the GFS, the MD, the Garrison, the Nanhai Rescue Bureau of the Ministry of Transport of the People's Republic of China, and the Guangdong Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, will jointly deploy fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and ships to conduct the search and rescue tasks. The entire long-range exercise is expected to be completed in around three hours.
CAD search and rescue exercise strengthens collaboration and responsiveness Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CAD search and rescue exercise strengthens collaboration and responsiveness Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CAD search and rescue exercise strengthens collaboration and responsiveness Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CAD search and rescue exercise strengthens collaboration and responsiveness Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CAD search and rescue exercise strengthens collaboration and responsiveness Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
