Explainer | What is behind uptick in infectious diseases among children in Hong Kong after lifting of mask mandate?
- Authorities report increase in cases of respiratory infections and hand, foot and mouth disease
- Rise in infections is likely to be due to more frequent contact between people and weaker immunity among children, paediatrician Dr Patrick Ip says
As Covid-19 has become endemic and social-distancing curbs have eased in Hong Kong, health experts have warned children in the city are being exposed to other infectious diseases following the lifting of the mask mandate.
Increases in respiratory infections and hand, foot and mouth disease among children have been reported by paediatricians and authorities recently.
The Post examines the uptick in cases and speaks to experts on how to protect children against infectious diseases.
1. What is the latest situation concerning hand, foot and mouth disease in Hong Kong?
There has been an upwards trend in cases of hand, foot and mouth disease in recent weeks, though the numbers remain low.
According to data from the Centre for Health Protection as of last Thursday, accident and emergency departments at public hospitals reported a rise in cases, with infections increasing to nearly 0.25 in every 1,000 consultations from March 5 to 11, compared with 0.1 at the start of the year.
Among childcare centres and kindergartens that took part in the government’s sentinel surveillance programme, there was a rise in the number of outbreaks from zero to more than 2 per cent of locations in late February, though none were recorded from March 5 to 11.
