Hong Kong reports nine hand-foot-mouth disease outbreaks in three days
Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection recorded nine outbreaks of hand-foot-mouth disease in the first three days of this week, involving 24 people, as activity levels rise sharply. The centre has sent letters to schools urging vigilance and prompt reporting of cases.
Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection (CHP) has recorded nine outbreaks of hand-foot-mouth disease in the first three days of this week, involving 24 people, as the disease's activity level rises significantly. The CHP said it would send letters to schools on Wednesday (14 October), urging them to monitor the situation and report any outbreaks in schools or residential care homes promptly.
Latest surveillance data from the CHP shows that the number of outbreaks in institutions or schools has increased from eight cases involving 27 people in one week in mid-September, to 12, 11 and 20 outbreaks over the following three weeks, affecting a total of 115 people. This week, nine outbreaks involving 24 people have already been recorded in just the first three days. Ninety per cent of these outbreaks occurred in child care centres, kindergartens or primary schools.
According to the CHP, hand-foot-mouth disease is a common childhood illness usually caused by enteroviruses. It occurs year-round in Hong Kong, with peak seasons typically from May to July and October to December. Most patients experience mild symptoms, including fever, loss of appetite, fatigue and sore throat in the early stages. One to two days after the fever, painful sores may appear in the mouth, which then develop into ulcers. Patients generally recover within seven to 10 days without specific treatment.
The CHP reminded the public to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene to prevent infection. Schools and residential care homes that detect outbreaks should report them to the centre as soon as possible.