In recent months, two young girls have been infected with enterovirus, clinically diagnosed as meningitis. One had visited mainland China during the incubation period, while the other had not travelled abroad. "East Call Response" interviewed parents and found that many parents have limited knowledge of the transmission methods of enterovirus and its effects on sick children. A doctor stated that infants and young children aged 5 or below are most susceptible to infection, and severe cases can lead to myocarditis, pericarditis, encephalitis, meningitis, or death. There is currently no specific antiviral drug for enterovirus, and regular alcohol-based hand sanitisers are not effective in killing enterovirus in the environment. To prevent or reduce enterovirus infections, one should effectively use soap and water to wash hands, rubbing for at least 20 seconds or more.
Last month on the 22nd, the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health announced that it was investigating a serious case of enterovirus infection in a child. A five-year-old girl was diagnosed with enterovirus meningitis. During the incubation period, the patient travelled to mainland China with four companions, one of whom developed a cough and runny nose. In June of this year, the Centre also investigated a serious case of enterovirus infection in a child. The ten-year-old girl diagnosed with enterovirus meningitis was preliminarily found not to have travelled abroad during her incubation period.
The EV71 model is the most "virulent".
However, many parents remain somewhat unclear about the recent cases of children in Hong Kong contracting enteroviruses, with some even developing a condition known as enterovirus "brain infection," clinically diagnosed as meningitis. Paediatric specialist Dr. Angela Tsui said that enteroviruses are RNA viruses that can multiply in the digestive system and encompass a very wide range of types. Among the many types of enteroviruses, EV71 is of most concern as it is more likely to cause severe complications such as encephalitis and meningitis. She added that enterovirus infections are very common, and the age group most susceptible are infants and young children aged 5 or under.
Regarding the routes of infection, Xu Ziyun stated that it is mainly through contact with the patient's nasal or throat secretions. The illness is contagious in its early stages, and the virus can be shed in faeces for several weeks, meaning the transmission period is very long. Many patients infected with enterovirus have no symptoms and recover on their own without realising it, but they can infect others during this time. Some people may experience a sore throat, fever, and other symptoms similar to a common upper respiratory tract infection or cold. In more severe cases, it can lead to myocarditis or pericarditis, or even encephalitis, meningitis, or death.
Alcohol hand sanitiser is difficult to deal with
As for prevention, Xu Ziyun advises thatThe alcohol-based hand rubs commonly used by the public have a concentration of 70% to 75%, which is not effective at killing enteroviruses in the environment, particularly the EV71 strain. To prevent or reduce the risk of enterovirus infection, it is necessary to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, rubbing them together for at least 20 seconds or more.
Regarding the treatment of enterovirus, Xu said that there are currently no specific antiviral drugs for enterovirus, and doctors can only adopt supportive therapy, such as supplementing sufficient water and rest, and avoiding strenuous exercise. If patients develop specific symptoms, such as constant drowsiness, confusion, vacant stare, rapid heartbeat, or even difficulty breathing, it is recommended to see a doctor as soon as possible to check for potential complications.
Source: Oriental Daily News 2025-08-09
https://orientaldaily.on.cc/content/news/odn-20250809-0809_00176_221/
