Seven doctors at a Hong Kong public hospital have contracted hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), the Hospital Authority said on Thursday.
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The outbreak of the viral disease occurred at Princess Margaret Hospital in Kwai Chung. Seven doctors from the department of medicine and geriatrics and of surgery, had developed symptoms, including fever, sore throat and rash, since November 2.
“They were diagnosed with hand, foot and mouth disease. One of them has recovered and resumed duty, while the rest remain on leave in stable condition,” the authority said.
“Staff members have complied with infection control guidelines while on duty, including wearing surgical masks and observing good hand hygiene. No patient has been affected.”
The authority said its preliminary investigation found the doctors had been in contact at various gatherings. Follow-up investigations to identify the source of the infection were under way.
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HFMD is a common disease in children, caused by enteroviruses such as coxsackieviruses and enterovirus 71 (EV71).
The disease is clinically characterised by the presence of rashes or lesions typically found on the palms and soles, and occasionally on other areas such as the buttocks and thighs, with development of mouth ulcers.