The Centers for Disease Control (hereinafter referred to as the CDC) announced today (the 2nd) that the domestic enterovirus outbreak continues to rise. Enteroviruses spread easily in densely populated and frequently interacting places such as schools, after‑school care centers, infant care centers, and indoor children’s playgrounds. Parents and childcare staff are urged to continuously teach and assist young children in developing good personal hygiene habits, to wash hands correctly and frequently with soap, to implement environmental disinfection, to avoid crowded public places during the epidemic, and to stay home and rest when ill, in order to reduce the risk of transmission.
According to CDC monitoring data, the domestic outbreak continues to rise. In the 21st week (May 24–30), the number of outpatient and emergency visits for enterovirus infections reached 5,573, an 8.2% increase from the previous week (5,153). Laboratory surveillance over the past four weeks shows that the predominant community enterovirus strains are Coxsackie A6, followed by Coxsackie A4 and Enterovirus D68. This year, a total of four confirmed severe cases of enterovirus infection (including one death) have been recorded: two cases of Enterovirus D68, one case each of Coxsackie A4 and Coxsackie A16. Nearby countries such as Vietnam, China, Thailand, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, and Hong Kong have also seen recent increases in cases. Vietnam’s situation is severe, with more than 34,400 cases reported by the end of April, mainly Enterovirus 71, and continued severe and fatal cases in southern provinces such as Ho Chi Minh City, suggesting the outbreak will keep rising. China has reported over 200,000 cases by mid‑May, mainly Coxsackie A16. Thailand has reported 12,542 cases this year, while Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong have seen increases above last year’s levels.
The CDC reminds that enteroviruses are highly contagious and pose infection risks to both adults and children. Adults should wash their hands thoroughly with soap or hand cleanser before holding or feeding infants after returning home, and regularly clean and disinfect items and toys frequently touched by children. Keep indoor spaces well‑ventilated to reduce the chance of infants contracting enterovirus. Note that alcohol has limited virucidal effect on enteroviruses; a chlorine bleach solution of 500 ppm (10 L water + 100 mL bleach) can be used to disinfect surfaces commonly touched by children. For items or surfaces contaminated with a sick child’s oral, nasal secretions, vomit, or excreta, a 1,000 ppm chlorine bleach solution (1 L water + 20 mL bleach, mixed well) is recommended. After wiping with disinfectant, let it stand for 10 minutes before rinsing once with clean water. Wear waterproof gloves, a mask, and an apron while preparing solutions, and ensure good ventilation.
The CDC urges that children under five are a high‑risk group for severe enterovirus disease. If a child is diagnosed with an enterovirus infection, monitor the child’s health for warning signs such as drowsiness, confusion, lethargy, weakness or paralysis of limbs, muscle jerks (unexplained startle or sudden whole‑body muscle contraction), persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, or accelerated heartbeat. If any of these appear, promptly take the child to a major hospital for treatment. For more information, visit the CDC 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
Compiled by: Health Management Office
