HK records 423 cases of hand-foot-mouth disease since Jan

Hong Kong's Center for Health Protection of the Department of Health on Wednesday urged citizens to stay alert against hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) and enterovirus 71 (EV71) infection.

As of July 9, there have been 423 institutional HFMD outbreaks in Hong Kong this year. The number is higher than those of the previous two years in the corresponding period, according to a statement posted on the center's website.

Meanwhile, five cases of EV71 infection and three cases of severe paediatric enterovirus infection have been reported during the same period this year, the statement said.

As the latest surveillance data showed that HFMD and EV71 activities remained at high level, the public should maintain vigilance and take preventive measures against HFMD and EV71 infection, the center said in the statement, adding that it will continue to provide advice on HFMD and EV71 prevention and control.