23 April 2004 – The Department of Foreign Affairs today echoed the health advisory released by Hong Kong’s Department of Health this week on the maintenance of proper personal hygiene to prevent enterovirus infection, following confirmation last weekend of a case of Enterovirus-71 (EV-71 or the hand, foot and mouth disease) infection involving a 5-year old boy.

In view of the call of the Hong Kong health authorities, Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert made an appeal to Filipino travellers and overseas Filipino workers, especially those in Hong Kong, to follow health
regulations and keep abreast with medical advisories.

“While the reported cases of EV-71 have remained at low levels in recent years – one in 2003 and five in 2002 – appropriate measures must be observed to prevent infection and the spread of the virus,” Secretary Albert advised.  “We appreciate the early health bulletin announced by the Hong Kong authorities and give our assurances that the Philippines is ready to cooperate with them to ensure that further spread of the disease is thwarted,” the Secretary continued.

Hong Kong’s Department of Health consultant, Dr. Thomas Tsang confirmed the case of the boy with hand, foot and mouth disease, who was admitted at the Yan Chai Hospital and later referred to the Princess Margaret Hospital.  He was eventually discharged.

Dr. Tsang said that surveillance systems to monitor hand, foot and mouth disease and enteroviruses had already been set up.  EV-71 is transmitted through the fecal-oral route but the virus can also be spread through droplets or direct contact with secretions.  Good personal hygiene is still the best prevention measure.  He recommended that parents seek medical advice if their children develop symptoms of the hand, foot and mouth disease.  END.