The Centers for Disease Control (hereafter referred to as CDC) announced today (the 8th) that the domestic enterovirus outbreak is rising, reminding adults and children to stay vigilant, continue practicing personal hand hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap or hand cleanser, especially before eating, before playing with infants, after blowing the nose, after using the toilet, and before and after seeing a doctor, and to properly follow the five steps of hand washing—wet, lather, rinse, cup, and dry—to reduce the risk of enterovirus transmission; if a child at home is infected with enterovirus, they should rest at home and avoid contact with other children to reduce the risk of cross‑infection, and monitor the child's health, seeking medical treatment promptly if severe warning signs appear to secure the golden window for treatment.
According to CDC monitoring data, the domestic outbreak shows an upward trend; in the 35th week (August 30 to September 5), there were 8,475 emergency and outpatient visits for enterovirus, a 17.7% increase from the previous week (7,199 visits). Laboratory monitoring over the past four weeks indicates that the predominant community enterovirus strain is Coxsackie A6, followed by enterovirus D68 and Coxsackie A16. So far in 2026, there have been seven confirmed cases of severe complications from enterovirus infection (including one death), comprising five cases of enterovirus D68, and one case each of Coxsackie A4 and Coxsackie A16; the public is urged to watch for health conditions in infants and young children and signs of severe enterovirus infection.
The CDC warns that enterovirus is highly contagious and spreads easily in densely populated and frequently interactive settings. Parents and childcare providers are urged to continuously teach and assist children in developing good personal hygiene habits, keep homes and learning environments well‑ventilated and regularly cleaned and disinfected, frequently wash and disinfect items and toys that children commonly touch, avoid contact with infected individuals, seek medical care promptly if symptoms are suspected, and avoid crowded public places during the epidemic period to prevent infection and invasion by various enterovirus types in the community. In addition, alcohol has limited virucidal effect on enterovirus; a 500 ppm chlorine bleach solution (10 L of clean water mixed with 100 mL of bleach) can be used to disinfect surfaces frequently touched by children, and when preparing the solution, wear waterproof gloves, a mask, and an apron, and ensure proper ventilation.
The CDC urges that children under five are a high‑risk group for severe enterovirus infection, and the disease can progress rapidly. If a child at home is diagnosed by a physician with enterovirus infection and shows any of the following severe warning signs—drowsiness, altered consciousness, poor vitality, weakness or paralysis of limbs, muscle jerks (unexplained startle or sudden whole‑body muscle contraction), persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, or accelerated heart rate—please transport the child promptly to a major hospital for treatment. For more information, visit the CDC’s global 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 by: Sensory Management Office
