As enterovirus activity in Taiwan gradually peaks, during July 16 and 22, 2017, the number of visits to outpatient services and ER for enterovirus infection in the nation exceeded the epidemic threshold, indicating enterovirus activity has reached its peak. In addition, one new case of enterovirus infection with severe complications was confirmed. Currently, coxsackie A virus is the dominant strain circulating in the community, while enterovirus 71 continues to circulate. Taiwan CDC stresses that enterovirus is highly contagious, especially among family members. Therefore, the public is urged to heighten vigilance, wash hands with soap and water frequently, and practice good personal hygiene. Adults returning home from work are advised to change clothes and wash hands with soap and water before coming into contact with children to lower the risk of infection and transmission.

According to the surveillance data compiled by Taiwan CDC, during July 16 and 22, 2017, the number of visits to outpatient services and ER for enterovirus infection in the nation was 11,592, which is 5.4% up from that reported during the previous week and above the epidemic threshold (11,000), indicating enterovirus activity has peaked. One new case of enterovirus infection with severe complications caused by CA 6 was confirmed last week. The case is a one-year-old baby boy who was rushed to receive medical treatment after developing symptoms, including herpangina, fever, spasm, and shock of unknown etiology, around mid-July. As of now, the case in stable conditions and has been discharged from the hospital. According to the epidemiological investigation the case’s sibling developed herpangina and was diagnosed with enterovirus infection at the end of June. Although the sibling has now recovered, it cannot be determined whether the baby boy acquired infection at home or by an asymptomatic carrier.

Thus far this year, 6 cases of enterovirus infection with severe complications respectively caused by CA 6 (3 cases), echovirus 5 (2 cases), and CA 2 (1 case) have been confirmed. In addition, as of July 25, 2017, a total of 26 sporadic cases of EV71 infection have been confirmed in Taiwan this year, indicating that EV71 is still circulating in the community. Nevertheless, all the cases are mild cases. Recently, an increasing level of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) activity has been observed in the adjacent countries, including Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea, Thailand, China and Macau. Among them, Japan has reported a higher number of cases this year compared to the same period last year. Taiwan CDC will continue to closely monitor the international enterovirus activity.

Taiwan CDC once again reminds that as enterovirus infection progresses fast, children below the age of 5 are at increased risk of developing severe infection. When a child in a household is diagnosed with enterovirus infection, parents and child caregivers are urged to refrain the sick child from close contact with other children to prevent further spread of the disease and watch for the development of prodromal symptoms of complications in the sick child such as drowsiness, disturbed consciousness, inactivity, flaccid paralysis, myoclonic jerk, continuous vomiting, tachypnea, and tachycardia to ensure timely treatment. For more information, please visit the Taiwan CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw or call the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Consultation Hotline, 1922 (or 0800-001922).