Prevention and Control Measures for Neonatal Enterovirus Infections

DOI: 10.6525/TEB.201904_35(8).0002

Shih-Min Hsu^*, Hao-Hsin Wu, Li-Jung Chien, Shu-Hui Tseng

2019 Vol.35 NO.8

Correspondence Author： Shih-Min Hsu^*

Abstract：

    Echovirus type 11, a less common cause in outbreak previously, was the main virus responsible for the epidemic of enterovirus infection in Taiwan in June 2018. More than half of the cases of enteroviruses infection with severe complications were neonates, resulting in six fatalities. In addition, several outbreaks of neonatal enterovirus infections had been reported in hospitals. In order to prevent the neonatal enterovirus infections and outbreaks, healthcare workers (HCWs) in hospitals and postpartum care institutions should be aware of the epidemic to diagnose case early, detect outbreak timely, and adhere to relevant infection control measures appropriately when providing medical services. HCWs should also educate pregnant woman to inform her physician when she shows symptoms of suspected enterovirus infections such as fever, upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, or pleural pain, during 14 days before delivery and after delivery.