The Centers for Disease Control (hereafter CDC) today (the 3rd) announced two new cases of severe complications from enterovirus infection, involving a boy in his teens from the north (Case 1) and a boy under 5 years old from the central region (Case 2). Case 1 began on February 4, 2026, with fever, weakness in the right hand and foot, and limb numbness and pain. He visited the emergency department on February 5 and was admitted to the intensive care unit for treatment. During hospitalization he developed hand‑foot‑mouth disease and herpetic pharyngitis. After reporting and testing, infection with an enterovirus was confirmed, representing the first severe enterovirus case this year. He was discharged on February 13 after treatment, and the viral type is being tested. Case 2 started showing fever and vomiting on February 13 and sought care at a clinic; on February 15, due to poor activity, abdominal pain and distension, he went to the emergency department. During hospitalization he experienced tachycardia, respiratory distress, and altered consciousness. Reporting and testing confirmed infection with enterovirus D68, and he is currently receiving treatment in the intensive care unit.
According to CDC surveillance data, there have been a total of two confirmed severe enterovirus cases this year, one infected with enterovirus D68 and one pending type confirmation, which is comparable to the same period from 2022 to 2025 (0‑2 cases). The domestic enterovirus epidemic is at a low point, but community transmission risk remains. In week 8 (February 22‑28), emergency and outpatient visits totaled 2,743, a 43.6% increase from week 7 (during the Lunar New Year holiday, 1,910 visits), mainly due to the resumption of outpatient services after the holiday. The situation after schools reopen should be monitored; laboratory surveillance over the past four weeks shows that the predominant community enterovirus is Coxsackie A6, followed by Coxsackie A4 and A16, with other types such as D68 also circulating. The public is urged to pay special attention to the health of infants, toddlers, and school‑age children. If a child is infected with an enterovirus, watch for signs of severe disease and ensure they stay home from school to avoid cross‑infection with other children.
The CDC reminds that enterovirus D68 typically presents with fever, runny nose, and cough, which differ from the classic herpetic pharyngitis or hand‑foot‑mouth disease commonly seen with other enteroviruses. A minority of patients may develop complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, or paralysis. There is currently no vaccine or specific medication for prevention or treatment. The most effective preventive measures are proper hand hygiene and cough etiquette, avoiding crowded public places, and staying home when ill to reduce transmission risk.
The CDC reminds that enteroviruses can occur year‑round and spread easily in schools, daycare centers, and households. With schools reopening, close interaction among children will increase transmission risk. Relevant educational and childcare institutions should strengthen health monitoring of children, enforce hand hygiene, environmental cleaning and ventilation, and regularly disinfect surfaces frequently touched by children—such as tables, toys, and door handles—using 500 ppm chlorine bleach solution.
The CDC again urges that children under five are a high‑risk group for severe enterovirus infection, and the disease can progress rapidly. When a child is diagnosed with an enterovirus infection by a physician, closely observe for warning signs of severe disease, such as drowsiness, confusion, lethargy, weakness of limbs, muscle jerks (unexplained startle or sudden generalized muscle contraction), persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, or rapid heartbeat, and promptly take them to a major hospital for treatment. For more information, visit the CDC’s website (https://www.cdc.gov.tw), or call the toll‑free epidemic prevention hotline 1922 for inquiries.
Source: Centers for Disease Control
Data compiled: Surveillance Office
