The Centre for Health Protection has confirmed a case of Enterovirus-71 infection involving a 15-year-old boy, bringing the year's total to 38.

He developed a rash over his hands and feet on May 25. He consulted a private medical practitioner on May 26 and was diagnosed with hand-foot-mouth disease. He did not need to be hospitalised.

Four other students at the secondary school the boy attends were also diagnosed to have hand-foot-mouth disease between May 7 and 21. Centre staff  have visited the school and provided health advice

There were 12 EV-71 cases last year, 35 in 2004, eight in 2005 and 16 in 2006.