The Centers for Disease Control (hereafter CDC) announced on September 22, 2026 that the domestic enterovirus outbreak continues. Because enteroviruses spread easily in densely populated and frequently interacting places such as schools, after‑school programs, daycare centers, and indoor children’s playgrounds, parents and childcare staff are reminded to stay vigilant, continue teaching young children to develop good personal hygiene habits, reinforce proper and frequent hand‑washing with soap, and implement environmental cleaning and disinfection. During the epidemic period, avoid crowded public places, ensure sick individuals rest at home, and take other measures to reduce transmission risk.
According to CDC monitoring data, the number of enterovirus outpatient visits in week 37 (September 13–19) was 10,359 visits, similar to the previous week (10,400 visits). The situation after the consecutive holidays should be observed. Laboratory surveillance over the past four weeks shows that the predominant community enterovirus strain is Coxsackie A6, followed by Enterovirus D68 and Coxsackie A16. In 2026, a total of seven confirmed severe enterovirus infection cases (including one death) have been recorded, comprising five cases of Enterovirus D68, and one case each of Coxsackie A4 and Coxsackie A16. The public is urged to watch for early signs of severe enterovirus disease in infants and young children.
The CDC reminds that enteroviruses are highly contagious and pose infection risks to both adults and children. After returning home, adults should thoroughly wash their hands with soap or hand cleanser before holding or feeding infants, and regularly clean and disinfect items and toys frequently touched by children, keep activity spaces well‑ventilated, and thereby reduce the chance of infants contracting enterovirus. Note that alcohol has limited virucidal effect on enteroviruses; general environmental disinfection can use a 500 ppm disinfectant solution (10 L water + 100 mL household bleach). For items or surfaces contaminated with a sick child’s oral, nasal secretions, vomit, or excreta, a 1,000 ppm chlorine bleach solution is recommended (1 L water + 20 mL bleach, mixed well). After wiping with disinfectant, allow a 10‑minute contact time before wiping again with clean water.
The CDC calls attention to children under five as a high‑risk group for severe enterovirus disease, which can progress rapidly. If a physician diagnoses an enterovirus infection, monitor the child’s health for signs such as drowsiness, altered consciousness, poor vitality, limb weakness or paralysis, muscle twitching (unexplained startle or sudden whole‑body muscle contraction), persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, or accelerated heart rate. Seek prompt treatment at a major hospital. For more information, you can visit the CDC’s global information website (https://www.cdc.gov.tw), or call the toll‑free epidemic prevention hotline 1922 (or 0800-001922) for inquiries.
Source: Centers for Disease Control
Data compiled: Sensory Management Office
