The Centre for Health Protection has confirmed a case of Enterovirus-71, a six-year-old girl with no recent travel history.

She developed a rash on her hands and feet and an ulcer in her mouth on May 25. She was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on May 30 and discharged on June 1. Laboratory results were positive for EV-71.

Her family members have no disease symptoms. The centre is contacting the primary school the girl attends for medical surveillance.

This is the fourth EV-71 case reported this year. There were 35 cases in 2004, 8 in 2005, and 16 in 2006.

EV-71 is a viral infection usually found among young children. It is also one of the agents that causes hand-foot-mouth disease. As the disease is transmitted by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, the public should stay alert to the threat of EV-71 and take preventive measures.