Hong Kong : Two outbreaks of hand, foot and mouth disease under CHP investigation

Press release from CHP :

" The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (July 31) appealed to the public to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) after investigating into HFMD outbreaks at two summer camps which were respectively held in Stanley and Sai Kung by the same organisation and affected a total of 38 residents and two members of staff.

The first outbreak at a camp site in Stanley involved 23 residents, comprising 19 boys and four girls aged from 11 to 18, who have developed fever, oral ulcers, and rash and vesicles on their hands or feet since July 18.

The other outbreak at a camp site in Sai Kung affected 21 residents and two members of staff, comprising 18 males and five females aged from 12 to 33, who have developed fever, oral ulcers, and rash and vesicles on their hands or feet since July 23.

Preliminary investigations by the CHP revealed that six of the affected residents, five boys and one girl aged from 13 to 18, had attended both camps. The camp in Stanley started on July 17 and ended on July 20 while that in Sai Kung was held from July 22 to 26.

All affected residents and staff sought medical consultation. Two of them were hospitalised for management of which one has been discharged. All affected persons are currently in stable condition.

Officers of the CHP have provided health advice to the staff. Residents and staff of both camps have been put under medical surveillance."