Over 6000 Enterovirus Cases Last Week|腸病毒連4週上升 疾管署:恐大流行

Centers for Disease Control numbers show that over 6,000 people were treated for enterovirus last week. The number of patients has been rising for four consecutive weeks. With temperatures rising slowly this year, peak enterovirus season may take place later in the year than usual.


Over 6,700 people received emergency treatment for enterovirus infections last week. The number of cases has risen for four consecutive weeks and is 1.8 times higher than the same period last year. Five severe cases have been reported this year, compared to two last year. Sixty-six classes were suspended nationwide last week, including 13 elementary school classes and 44 preschool classes. This was 1.4 times higher than the same period last year.

In general, we see an enterovirus 71 epidemic in Taiwan every three to four years. The last epidemic was in 2012, which was six years ago. Therefore, many experts are worried the next one may be around the corner.

The Centers for Disease Control says peak enterovirus season is usually in May but cooler weather this year could push it back to June. One expert says children under five have a higher risk of complications and parents should remain vigilant.

Encephalitis is more closely linked with enterovirus 71 and enterovirus D68 than other strains. We saw an enterovirus D68 outbreak last year.

Enterovirus mainly spreads through the fecal-oral and airborne routes. The virus can survive on playground equipment and toys for up to a day. The center says everyone should wash their hands with soap before eating and after using the restroom. Parents getting home from work should also change their clothes before touching their children.