The Center for Health Protection (CHP) of the Hong Kong Department of Health announced Wednesday they are investigating the third confirmed EV71 infection case this year and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.

A CHP spokesman said that the latest case involved a three-year-old girl who developed symptoms of Hand Foot Mouth Disease (HFMD) such as oral ulcers and rash over hands and feet on March 3.

Her stool specimen was tested positive for EV71. The girl sought medical treatment and did not require hospitalization. She is now in stable condition.

All the three confirmed cases of EV71 attended HKSPC Sze Wu Shu Min Nursery School. Thirteen other children in the same school had also developed HFMD symptoms since March 2. All of them sought medical treatment and are in stable condition.

The school has suspended classes starting March 11 until March 24 for thorough disinfection.

(Xinhua News Agency March 12, 2009)