The Centre for Health Protection has confirmed an Enterovirus-71 case involving a three-year-old girl, bringing this year's total to six, all local.

The patient broke out in oral ulcers and blisters September 2. She has recovered and her parents have no signs of infection.

Investigations found three boys and three girls aged two to five, including the patient, in a nursery in Ngau Tau Kok contracted hand-foot-mouth disease between August 24 and September 4. They are in stable condition without hospitalisation.

There were 35 EV-71 cases recorded last year, one in 2003 and five in 2002.

People should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene to avoid contracting the disease. For more information click here or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.