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CDC confirms more enterovirus cases, now totaling 232

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) confirmed 10 more cases of serious enteroviral infection yesterday morning, bringing the total number of cases nationwide to 232 so far this year.

In view of the increasing number of reported cases, Chou Chih-hao (周志浩), representative of the enterovirus epidemic command center and deputy director for the CDC, said yesterday that the center on Friday sent a notice to all county and city governments informing them to instruct hospitals under their jurisdiction that toys and play areas for children in hospitals and medical clinics should be closed until further notice.

Chou said the ban will take effect this week at the earliest, adding that the measure would be quickly implemented, since some hospitals had begun closing such facilities over the last couple of weeks.

Failure to follow instructions could lead to fines of up to NT$5,000, and these could reapplied if the situation is not improved, he said.

According to Chou, the new confirmed cases were spread across eight counties and cities, including Hsinchu, Taichung, Tainan and Penghu.

Noting that the enterovirus risk is still in its peak period, Chou reminded the general public to remain vigilant in terms of personal hygiene.

The enterovirus outbreak has claimed eight lives, with the latest fatality — a three-year-old boy in Taoyuan County — confirmed on Friday.

The CDC is also conducting tests to determine whether a boy in Chiayi County who died on Wednesday had been infected with the virus.
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