The Centre for Health Protection has confirmed the year's third case of Enterovirus-71 involving a five-year-old Taiwanese boy who arrived in Hong Kong April 2.

He developed a sore throat, vomiting and a rash on April 5 and was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital. He was discharged and returned to Taiwan yesterday.

EV-71 is a viral infection usually found among young children and also a causative agent for hand-foot-mouth disease. It is transmitted by direct contact with nose and throat discharges.

There were eight reports in 2005, with 16 in 2006 and 12 last year. The centre urged the public to be vigilant against the disease and warned infected children should stay at home and avoid contact with others until they recover.

Click here for more tips or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.