Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Activity Rises; Yip Pak-keung Urges Schools to Watch Hygiene and Pupils' Symptoms

The Department of Health says the activity level of hand, foot and mouth disease in Hong Kong has risen significantly recently. University of Hong Kong medical faculty paediatrics professor Yip Pak-keung says outbreaks have been more obvious since the start of this month, especially in child care centres, kindergartens and primary schools, which he believes is related to pupils gathering after the start of the school year. He says alcohol cannot effectively kill enterovirus 71, and recommends washing hands with liquid soap and water, while schools should also watch hygiene and whether pupils have symptoms.