Stay alert: Childcare centre staff receive a briefing on enteroviral infection and its prevention.

The departments of Health and Social Welfare held a seminar today to boost childcare centre staffs' vigilance against enteroviral infection.

The Department of Health said enteroviruses including EV-71 can cause a variety of illnesses primarily among young children, such as hand, foot and mouth disease. The disease tends to be more common in summer months.

As enteroviral infection commonly occurs at childcare centers, staff were reminded to strictly observe personal and environmental hygiene to prevent the disease.

They were also briefed on the symptoms and characteristics of the disease, and how to take effective preventive measures in their institutions.

So far six EV-71 cases were reported this year affecting children below the age of five. They have all recovered and did not develop any complications.

The department appealed to the public to stay alert to the threat of enteroviral infection and adopt preventive measures. More details are available at its health education hotline 2833 0111 or click here.