DH urges members of public to maintain hygiene amid increasing local activity of hand, foot and mouth disease
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (September 18) reminded the public to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene as the localactivity of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) has recorded a significant increase recently. Schools should immediatelyreportto the CHP if any outbreak occurs.
The CHP's latest surveillance data showed that the number of HFMD outbreaks in institutions/schools recordedhas increased from two (affecting six persons) in a week in late August (August 24 to 30), to seven outbreaks per week in the recent two weeks (August 31 to September 6 and September 7 to 13), affecting 34 and 17 persons respectively. In the first four days (September 14 to 17) of this week, 14 outbreaks (affecting 32 persons) have been reported. Among them, over 90 per cent of the outbreaks occurred in child care centres/kindergartens (CCC/KG) and primary schools.
In addition, the DH's sentinel surveillance based at CCC/KGand private medical practitioner clinics indicated a significant increase in HFMD activity in the past few weeks.
"HFMD is a common disease in children caused by enteroviruses (EVs) such as Coxsackie virus and EV71. HFMD occurs throughout the year in Hong Kong, with the usual peak occurring from May to July and October to December. Institutions have higher chances to encounter outbreaks as HFMD can spread more easily among young children with more close contact. As there has been an increase in HFMD activity, parents should stay alert to the health condition of their young children," the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, said.
Most HFMD patients have mild symptoms and the disease usually begins with fever, poor appetite, tiredness and sore throat. Painful sores may develop in the mouth one to two days after the onset of fever and then often become ulcers. Most patients recover on their own in seven to 10 days. The CHP today issued letters to doctors and schools to alert them to the latest situation of HFMD. Schools are required to follow theGuidelines on Prevention of Communicable Diseases in Schools / Kindergartens /Kindergartens-cum-Child Care Centres / Child Care Centreson preventive and control measures as well as management of outbreaks, which should be reported to the CHP as soon as possible for follow up.
Dr Tsui also reminded management of venues with play facilities to refer to the CHP'sPublic Health Advice for Play Facilitieson appropriate infection control in activities involving young children under6 during the peak season of HFMD.
He stressed that alcohol-based handrub should not substitute hand hygiene with liquid soap and water, as alcohol does not effectively kill some viruses causing HFMD, for example, EV71.
To prevent HFMD, members of the public (especially those in the management of schools and institutions) should take heed of the following preventive measures:
Maintain good air circulation;
Keep hands clean and wash hands properly. Wash hands before meals, after going to the toilet, when they are soiled by respiratory secretions, such as after sneezing, or after handling diapers or other stool-soiled materials;
Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and oral discharges properly;
Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as furniture, toys and commonly shared items with 1:99 diluted household bleach (mixing one part of household bleach containing 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite with 99 parts of water), leave for 15 to 30 minutes, and then rinse with water and keep dry;
Use absorbent disposable towels to wipe away obvious contaminants such as respiratory secretions, vomitus or excreta, and then disinfect the surface and neighbouring areas with 1:49 diluted household bleach (mixing one part of bleach containing 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite with 49 parts of water), leave for 15 to 30 minutes and then rinse with water and keep dry;
Avoid going to overcrowded places;
Children who are ill should be kept out of school until their fever and rashes have subsided and all vesicles have dried and crusted; and
Parents should maintain close communication with schools to let them know the latest situation of sick children.
The CHP's weekly publication, EV SCAN (www.chp.gov.hk/en/resources/29/502.html), is issued every Friday to report the latest local situation of HFMD. Members of the public may also visit the CHP's page for more information onHFMD and EV71 infection.
Source: AI-found images
Customs YES organises Shenzhen Qianhai Youth Entrepreneurship Exploration Day
Customs YES organised the Customs YES X QMN Shenzhen Qianhai Youth Entrepreneurship Exploration Day in collaboration with the partnering organisation Quality Management Network (QMN) today (January 17). Led by the Assistant Commissioner (Administration and Human Resource Development) of Customs and Excise, Ms Phoebe Wong, a delegation of 51 youth from Customs YES and QMN visited innovation and technology (I&T) companies and a start-up incubation base in Qianhai, Shenzhen, to gain insights into the latest developments in the low-altitude economy and explore youth entrepreneurship opportunities in the Greater Bay Area.
The delegation first visited a Drone Education Experience Centre in Shenzhen to learn about the latest developments in aerial photography technology, including its applications in power system inspection and emergency rescue. In addition, under the guidance of professional instructors, the participants took part in a robotics competition and experienced drone operation.
The delegation then visited the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Innovation and Entrepreneur Hub, where they learned about various facilitation measures supporting Hong Kong and Macao youth in pursuing entrepreneurship and career development on the Chinese Mainland. The participants also interacted with representatives of Hong Kong I&T start-up enterprises based at the hub to learn more about the latest developments in the low-altitude economy, and visited the Hong Kong Youth Short-Term Apartments which offers one-stop accommodation services for Hong Kong youth.
Customs YES will continue to organise various exchange activities to deepen youth's understanding on the latest developments in the country and Hong Kong's opportunities and contributions along the course.
Customs YES organises Shenzhen Qianhai Youth Entrepreneurship Exploration Day Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Customs YES organises Shenzhen Qianhai Youth Entrepreneurship Exploration Day Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Customs YES organises Shenzhen Qianhai Youth Entrepreneurship Exploration Day Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Customs YES organises Shenzhen Qianhai Youth Entrepreneurship Exploration Day Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Customs YES organises Shenzhen Qianhai Youth Entrepreneurship Exploration Day Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Customs YES organises Shenzhen Qianhai Youth Entrepreneurship Exploration Day Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
