The Centre for Health Protection has confirmed a case of Enterovirus-71 involving a two-year-old girl.

She developed a fever, cough and runny nose on March 13. She was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital on March 17 and was discharged two days later. Laboratory results were positive for EV-71.

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

EV-71 is a viral infection usually found in 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.