Print

Mail

wiki links

CDC reports enterovirus death No. 11

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) yesterday reported the nation’s 11th death from enterovirus infection this year — a two-year-old boy in Changhua County.

According to CDC Deputy Director-General Shih Wen-yi (施文儀), it was a sporadic case as the enterovirus season has yet to peak in the county.

“The public should not panic because of this case,” Shih said.

The latest victim came down with a fever, vomiting and blistering of the mouth on Aug. 26 and was hospitalized on Aug. 29, when he developed a skin rash. The boy was discharged from hospital two days later, according to a report by Changhua County health authorities.

However, on Sept. 1, the boy was again hospitalized after he took a turn for the worse. He died on Thursday, the authorities said.

CDC statistics show that from the start of this year to Monday, a total of 352 severe enterovirus infections were recorded in the country, 11 of which were fatal and 93 percent of which were caused by enterovirus type 71 (EV71).

Of these 352 cases, 97 involved one-year-olds, 96 affected two-year-olds and 63 involved children under the age of one, the statistics showed.

The largest number of cases occurred in central and southern parts of Taiwan, with 49 cases in Tainan County and 48 in Changhua County, the CDC said.

While this year’s enterovirus outbreak slowed down noticeably following the start of the summer vacation in July, a new peak is expected after schools reopened this month.

Shih said no suspected cases of severe enterovirus infection have been reported since Sept. 1, which indicated that the expected peak has not occurred.

Shih reminded the public that sporadic enterovirus infections can occur even when the virus is not in season and advised people to maintain good hygiene to prevent infection and avoid passing the virus to children in their families.
This story has been viewed 901 times.