The Centre for Health Protection has confirmed enterovirus-71 in three boys, bringing this year's total to 29. They have not travelled outside Hong Kong recently.

The first case involved a three-year-old boy who developed ulcers in his mouth and blisters on his arms and legs on July 11. He recovered without hospitalisation and his 33-year-old mother also had symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease on July 14.

The second case is a two-year-old boy who developed fever and a rash on his hand on July 10. He recovered without hospitalisation and other family members had no symptoms.

Sha Tin nursery recorded seven cases

The two boys attended a Sha Tin nursery where a total of seven children, including themselves, aged three to six  developed symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease from June 20 to July 11. All recovered without hospitalisation; none developed complications. 

The Centre for Health Protection advised them not to return to school for two weeks after they recover. As a precautionary measure, their classmates have been asked not to attend school until the start of the new school term.

The third case involved a six-year-old boy who developed ulcers in his mouth and a rash on his arms and legs on July 10. He recovered without hospitalisation and his family members had no symptoms.

Childcare centre suspends affected class

The boy attended a Sheung Shui childcare centre where his eight classmates, aged two to six, developed symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease from July 1 to 12. None required hospitalisation or developed complications. So far, three of them have been confirmed as enterovirus-71 cases.

The Centre for Health Protection advised the affected class on July 13 to close until the start of next school term.

The centre called on people to guard against infection and maintain good personal and environmental hygiene.

For more advice on disease prevention, click here or call the Central Health Education hotline, 2833 0111.