The Public Health Department in east China's Shandong Province has issued a
statement denying media reports claiming that several children died from an
unknown disease in Linyi city on May 11.
It posted a clarification on its official website, saying a two year old girl
had died from an outbreak of hand-foot-mouth disease in Linyi.
The girl was taken to see a doctor at a hospital after she developed a fever
and started vomiting on April 27. Two days later, her condition deteriorated and
she was admitted to hospital. Doctors confirmed a diagnosis of hand-foot-mouth
disease but say they were too late to save her life.
After the girl died, the local health bureau took emergency action to contain
the spread of the disease, quarantining anyone infected with the disease, and
informing kindergartens and schools of the threat.
The Public Health Department said there have been no further deaths. It urged
the public not to believe the rumors.
Hand-foot-mouth disease is a common childhood illness with symptoms that
include mouth ulcers, sores, fever and a skin rash. The disease is highly
contagious and transmitted through saliva, air or skin contact. It can be fatal
if complications occur.
The Public Health Department said the disease can be cured with proper
treatment.
The Ministry of Health said it has not received an reports of an epidemic
from its subordinate in Shandong province.
Ministry Spokesman Mao Anqun said the news released by authorized
institutions is the most credible.
The Ministry of Health has declared the rumors that several children died
from an unknown disease on May 11 untrue. It has asked the Shandong Province
Public Health Department to refute the rumors.