An Outbreak of Echovirus 11 Infection in a Postpartum Nursing Care Center, 2018

DOI: 10.6525/TEB.202104_37(7).0002

Ching-Li Lin^*, Hsin-Chun Lee, Hui-Chen Lin, Min-Nan Hung, Chiou-Yue You

2021 Vol.37 NO.7

Correspondence Author： Ching-Li Lin^*

Abstract：

        On 16 May, 2018, the health department was notified by a medical center of a neonatal enterovirus infection with severe complications, which was subsequently confirmed positive for echovirus 11. The case patient had been staying at the baby room in a postpartum nursing care center during April 27-May 5, before the onset of fever on May 5. Through contact investigation, fever surveillance and molecular diagnostic testing, we identified seven cases of echovirus 11 infections among 15 newborns at the same baby room during May 5-21 (attack rate: 47%). Active case finding, cohorting care, enhancing hand hygiene and contact precautious practices, environment disinfection, and suspending new admissions were implemented to control the outbreak. No further cases were identified during the 10-day period of observation since May 21. All cases recovered with good outcomes. This report revealed that reluctance of hand-hygiene practices and unawareness of manifestations of neonatal enteroviral infection among healthcare workers might have hindered the timely intervention for effective mitigation of the outbreak.