Taiwan: Intestinal virus by week 40 cases of 5 children

[Commonground]

Intestinal virus by week 40 cases of 5 children die northward spread of Taiwan 368 classes will be closed

June 12 - (According to Taiwan Television News) decades, the strongest wave of intestinal virus is Laishixiongxiong, last week in one breath jumped 40 severe cases, have caused the death of five children.
But Health Director Lin Fang-yu visited the face of the media, said intestinal virus outbreak two weeks should be able to control, otherwise it can only pray, this sentence has been criticized over the various sectors.

In the Legislative Yuan, in the face of the media asked about severe cases of enterovirus infection jumped, Health Director Lin Fang-yu, was also a slip of the tongue, if the state can not control the epidemic, we can only pray that such an answer, caused an uproar at the scene. According to CDC statistics, the strongest wave of decades of enterovirus epidemic is becoming more and more serious, not only spread from south to north, Taichung County in central China have emerged the first death cases, a two-year old little boy eight months.
Experts estimate that the next two weeks should be more careful, according to CDC data show that the briefing, Taiwan has 176 cases, resulting in the death of five children, the oldest of which came to the 14-year-old, and tall Ping was the largest, but the most striking cases is the growth in the central, more detailed analysis, severe cases are multiples of growth. Estimates that by the end of August, Taiwan will have 340 cases of severe to call on parents, children once drowsiness, cramps, rapid heartbeats and other symptoms, we must quickly sent to the medical center, improve the treatment success rate.

Sydney time: 2008-06-12 03:40:14 AM
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[Commonground]

Re: Taiwan: Intestinal virus by week 40 cases of 5 children

Intestinal virus vaccine human experiments to be overcome

AXA Centre in research and development 71 had virus vaccine have been preliminary results. Figure left as normal mice, for 71 had been infected rats; right for the 71 had been infected by the treatment and rehabilitation of the mouse. (Graphic: National Institutes of Health provided) / / CNA

June 12 - (Associated Press Cai Yijia Bloomberg) Taiwan's intestinal virus continued to spread, with severe cases of 10 to set a new high this year, has six cases of enterovirus infection No. 71 with severe cases of death , The Executive Yuan inter-ministerial Council has officially launched the epidemic center. Health Director Lin Fang-yu on the 11th in the Legislative Yuan that the intestinal virus vaccine is effective prevention of severe enterovirus infection methods, the Department of Health will fully develop intestinal virus vaccine.
National Institutes of Health study of enterovirus 71, the first vaccine have been preliminary results, animal experiments will be conducted next year, is expected to be launched in recent years in the vaccine. However, National Mutual Service Director Wu Kun-yu said that the research is currently facing two problems, First, we must do animal toxicity test, to identify the human body corresponds to the face, the child is unable to carry out human experiments.

Lin Fang-yu on the 11th to the Legislative Yuan Health and Environment and Labour Committee invited to attend business report and prepare questions on this year's intestinal virus dangerous, how effective prevention of enterovirus infections become Laiqing Germany, Hou Caifeng, Dr Lam Chi, Eva, in ruling and opposition parties such as Legislator questions focus.

Lin Fang-yu said that the vaccine is the best way to vaccination, intestinal virus vaccine, it was believed that severe will be significantly reduced, will not appear deaths. He pointed out that domestic investment Article 71 had been research and development has been for some time, the Department of Health will go all out to promote the future development of vaccine and is expected next year is expected to enter the animal experiment stage, two to three years after the launch vaccine.

State Health Institute, said Wu Kun-yu, National Mutual Centre R & D of the 71 had been completed mouse vaccine in animal experiments, research is currently facing two problems, First, we must do animal toxicity test, to identify corresponds to the human body - Oriented, and the other is doing human experiments, mainly because of severe enterovirus infection occurred in children under 5 years of age, the human needs of children, adults do not effect, these issues are yet to be overcome.

The other paper urged grass-roots

Taiwan's intestinal virus continued to spread into June, Taiwan's intestinal virus epidemic rose rapidly, not only notification of cases of severe acute fast approaching to 200 cases, setting a new high over the past 10 years, has unfortunately killed six children their lives .

According to the central region of enterovirus infection and long-term resistance of the primary physician said that intestinal virus and the same 10 years ago, in most cases children did not antibodies, showing rapid dissemination of sexually transmitted, urged the central government launched an emergency "command intestinal virus outbreak Centre ", not only in air-conditioned room"空等"severe increase in the number of cases, but to focus on staff in the epidemic area near.

Punic school parents resist immunization at large loophole

Central intestinal virus outbreak, from the beginning of the rapid spread of the end of May, two weeks to even climbed the peak, with the exception of the unfortunate deaths appear together, the cumulative two weeks to report cases of severe acute on the increase of 1.5 times, communications have been as high as more severe cases More than 50.

Central CDC found that preschools not concealed by the Park reported that the parents do not tie in with close confinement, has become a big loophole in epidemic prevention, the county asked the city government must enforce.

Education Department hopes to strengthen public awareness of parents

Sports Administration, the Ministry of Education concise Zhong said that 86 percent of the enterovirus infection cases occurred in children under the age of 5, most of these children have not yet entered elementary students. Small entered the country after the county Department of Education, schools are very adequate to promote information and therefore should have their children wash their hands of the right steps to prevent enterovirus infections, such as the concept.

Concise Zhong said that at present the Ministry of Education hopes that schools and cities and counties to promote the existing data, re-adjust to the parents a better understanding of enterovirus infection control, such as washing hands before contact with children, children do not share drinks.

Hsinchu County Health Bureau said that infants under the age of 3 because of low immunity, is infection with the severe high-risk, vulnerable adults by Loubao, kissing, or interactive games with other children sometimes EV-71 infection. Special attention to remind people to return home, in Loubao, feeding infants and young children, adults must wash their hands properly, to reduce infant enterovirus infections opportunities.

According to statistics, last week, Taiwan has 109 elementary, kindergartens, nursery classes within one week because the two cases will be closed. Concise allegiance call home if a child appears high fever, blisters on hands and feet or oral have symptoms such as intestinal virus, we should not go to school.
(http://www.dajiyuan.com)

6/12/2008 12:27:54 AM
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[Shiloh]

Re: Taiwan: Intestinal virus by week 40 cases of 5 children

Source: http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/local/changhua/2008/06/12/160596/Enterovirus-claims.htm
Thursday, June 12, 2008

Enterovirus claims 3-year-old boy as sixth fatality this year

CNA

CHANGHUA, Taiwan -- A three-and-half-year-old boy in the central county of Changhua died of severe enterovirus infection Wednesday, making him the country's sixth fatality from the gastrointestinal disease this year, the Department of Health (DOH) reported.

Chou Jih-haw, deputy director of the DOH's Centers for Disease Control (CDC), said that on May 25 the child developed symptoms of hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD), a relatively common viral infection that usually begins in the throat. He died Wednesday as a result of cardiopulmonary failure.

Chou said that according to the results of an investigation, another boy living in the same home as the child was found to have had HFMD symptoms on May 19, but only developed symptoms of minor enterovirus infection.

Chou said another five cases of severe enterovirus were reported Wednesday, all of which were infections contracted from people with minor enterovirus.

As of Wednesday, the number of confirmed cases of severe enterovirus had reached 180, with six deaths reported, Chou said.

He urged people to wash their hands frequently, saying that it is still the most effective way to avoid contracting the disease.

He also reminded parents that if their children develop symptoms of enterovirus, they should keep them away from other children, at home and at school, to avoid spreading the infection.

Enterovirus infections are caused by a virus that enters the body via the gastrointestinal tract and thrives there. The virus is the most common cause of aseptic meningitis and can cause serious illness, especially in infants and people with compromised immune systems.

 

[Treyfish]

Re: Taiwan: Intestinal virus by week 40 cases of 5 children

Taiwan's epidemic prevention escalation of the closure of schools due to be mandatory for adults take care of sick children
At 13:58 on June 12, 2008
http://66.102.9.104/translate_c?hl=en&langpair=zh|en&u=http://www.chinanews.com.cn/
June 12 - According to Taiwan's "China Times" reported that the Taiwan intestinal virus outbreak run out of control, local health departments urged the public yesterday in addition to washing hands frequently, also plans to study compulsory schools, labor and management to relax Workers to leave, so that parents will take care of sick children back home, stop the spread of the disease. Taiwan's relevant departments to make reference to overseas-related diseases in the face of public health strategy, regardless of light, severe, strict requirements incidence who leave at home recuperating, the implementation of quarantine measures to prevent or reduce the spread of the epidemic, is a very important one.

It is learnt that the island according to the existing Act, as long as the Taiwan authorities decided to raise immunization levels, these measures are founded on law. However, taking into account social perception of the island and reduce the impact will also promote cross-sectoral assessment of relevant supporting measures. Initial planning may include modest relaxation of labour to leave, and the coordination of the Home units dedication Area nanny system, as the child of parents backing, so that children who need isolation of enterovirus infections, care for all adults. :tiphat: http://66.102.9.104/translate_c?hl=...ttp://news.sohu.com/20080612/n257450239.shtml

 

[Treyfish]

Re: Taiwan: Intestinal virus by week 40 cases of 5 children

Intestinal virus entered the peak period of Taiwan's Chiayi 10 nursery schools will be closed
At 10:56 on June 13, 2008http://66.102.9.104/translate_c?hl=en&langpair=zh|en&u=http://www.chinanews.com.cn/
June 13, Chiayi County Health Bureau on the 13th that the intestinal virus epidemic has entered a peak period, Chiayi County, there are three primary schools, two kindergartens, nurseries for five in herpangina and hand foot mouth Of the suspension of classes due to the health sector has set up a command center of the epidemic, if schools and child education agencies deliberately conceal the epidemic, will be opened in accordance with the law of impunityAccording to the "Central News Agency" report, Chiayi County Health Bureau, intestinal virus outbreak in Taiwan about every 10 years for a pandemic cycle, since January this year since the outbreak of the fever continued the trend, Taiwan has been identified as those with severe cases 183 cases, of which six people were killed.

Health Bureau, Chiayi County area as of June 7, the regional level and above from the hospital to inform the number of cases: 585 out-patient treatment (herpangina 465 people, hand, foot and mouth disease 120); hospitalization of 175 people (herpangina 136 people, hand, foot and mouth disease 39).

In addition, since the start of this semester, Chiayi County Xianei the nurseries, kindergartens, a result of the herpangina and hand症等cases of foot and mouth closed one after another, a total of 39, there are three primary schools, two Kindergartens and nurseries will be closed in five.

Health Bureau said that in order to ensure the health of children, effectively prevent secondary infection of enterovirus infection clusters, schools or child education institutions in the resumption of classes the same day, will be to examination by clinic doctors.

As the epidemic has set up a command center on the 9th, when a resolution within a week of classes in the two intestinal virus, should be closed 1-2 weeks, if schools and child education agencies deliberately conceal the epidemic, public health prevention and treatment of infectious diseases will be opened in accordance with impunity, once the Has not been closed will be closed, in addition to simply mandatory sanctions, and is punishable by NT 60,000 yuan to 300,000 yuan fine. :tiphat: http://66.102.9.104/translate_c?hl=...ttp://news.sohu.com/20080613/n257472803.shtml

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Taiwan: Intestinal virus by week 40 cases of 5 children

To view earlier reports of Taiwan HFMD cases go here:
http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=68919&highlight=taiwan+hfmd

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Taiwan: Intestinal virus by week 40 cases of 5 children

Source: http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2008/06/13/2003414651

Department boosts efforts to develop enterovirus vaccine
By Shih Hsiu-chuan
STAFF REPORTER
Friday, Jun 13, 2008, Page 2

Health officials said yesterday the government would integrate biotech industries to step up efforts to develop a vaccine for enterovirus, which has claimed the lives of six children this year, all under the age of five.

?We want to bring together experts from the public and private sectors to push the program, since we are treating it as one of the nation?s major projects in the biotech industry,? Centers for Disease Control Director Steve Kuo (郭旭崧) told a press conference held after yesterday?s weekly Cabinet meeting.

At the meeting, Department of Health Minister Lin Fang-yue (林芳郁) and Kuo gave briefings on the enterovirus situation.

The Cabinet meeting passed a proposed amendment to the Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Law (傳染病防治法) that would create a national fund to pay for development and procurement of vaccines.

?The government used to allocate a NT$500 million [US$ 16.45 million] annual budget each year for disease prevention. To meet actual demand, we need NT$2 billion. Setting up this fund can ensure a stable source of funding,? Kuo said.

The risk of contracting enterovirus usually peaks for around two weeks in mid June, Kuo said.

?We have forecast that there will be a retreat [of the virus] in two weeks,? he said.

Kuo said the six fatalities involved infections passed between children in one family.

Kuo urged parents who notice the symptoms of enterovirus to take their children to a doctor immediately and to keep healthy siblings away.

While there was only one serious case of enterovirus last year, there have been 181 serious enterovirus cases this year, the department said on Wednesday. Five children remain in intensive care.

Lin has come under fire for the remarks he made on Wednesday when asked what the department would do if the disease did not dissipate within two weeks.

?[We] will pray then,? Lin said.

Lin said his comment had been ?very inappropriate.?

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Taiwan: Intestinal virus by week 40 cases of 5 children

Source: http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2008/06/14/2003414726

Taipei confirms a case of enterovirus

PREVENTION: With seven people already dead from the virus nationwide, the Health Department announced a set of requirements to improve sanitation in classrooms
By Mo Yan-Chih
STAFF REPORTER, WITH CNA
Saturday, Jun 14, 2008, Page 2

The Taipei City Government said yesterday it would strengthen its epidemic prevention measures to fight enterovirus after confirming its first serious case this year.

Taipei City?s Health Department demanded municipal elementary schools and nursery schools suspend classes for 10 days if any child was infected with the disease. It also said it would carry out weekly disinfection of all classrooms in elementary and nursery schools for the next four weeks to halt the spread of the virus.

Chiu Wen-hsiang (邱文祥), department commissioner, said the city was enforcing stricter regulations on suspending classes compared with the central government, which asked schools to halt classes for 10 days if two children were found to be infected within a week.

The announcement was issued after the first serious case of entovirus in the city was confirmed, Chiu said.

The department said a five-year-old boy living in Shilin District (士林) was sent to Taipei Veterans General Hospital on Wednesday, and the hospital confirmed yesterday that he had a serious enterovirus infection, marking the first serious enterovirus case in the city this year.

Chiu said the boy?s condition had stabilized and that he would be discharged soon.

Meanwhile, the Taipei County Health Bureau yesterday ordered the 29 health offices in the county?s townships and villages to instruct all kindergartens and primary schools to carry out disinfection work on all classrooms tomorrow.

The bureau also told the schools to clean their classrooms on a daily basis, warning that health officials would conduct spot checks to ensure that schools maintain proper sanitation procedures.

The moves were made amid an increasingly serious enterovirus outbreak nationwide. The Department of Health?s Centers for Disease Control said that 191 serious cases had been confirmed to date, with seven fatalities, five of whom were children under five years old.

In Taipei County, 18 suspected enterovirus cases had been reported as of Thursday, with eight later confirmed as serious, the Bureau of Statistics said.

Also yesterday, the bureau banned children under five from entering public indoor play areas. Businesses that violate the ban will be fined between NT$60,000 (US$1,980) and NT$300,000, the bureau said.

Enterovirus enters the body through the gastrointestinal tract. It is the most common cause of aseptic meningitis and can cause serious illness and death, especially in infants and people whose immune systems have been compromised.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Taiwan: Intestinal virus by week 40 cases of 5 children

Source: http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/local/chiayi/2008/06/14/160920/Child-killing-virus.htm

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Child-killing virus claims another victim

By Dimitri Bruyas, The China Post

CHIAYI, Taiwan -- The death toll in the recent enterovirus outbreak has risen to 7 children islandwide, with the southern county of Chiayi reporting its first victim, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced yesterday.

The 11-month-old infant died in intensive care unit on June 10, CDC Deputy Director-General Chou Jih-haw said. He ruled out the possibility that the young boy could have contracted the virus from his two older cousins, aged six and four, who lived together with him, and speculated that the virus was transmitted to the boy by adult family members.

The recent outbreak has sickened a total of 191 young children and infants so far, with the exception of a 14-year-old resident of Hsinchu City, he said.

The cases are blamed on enterovirus 71, or EV-71, one of the most common causes of hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD). The HFMD is not related to foot-and-mouth disease, which affects farm animals; it can be caused by a number of intestinal viruses, of which EV-71 and Coxsackie A16 are among the most common.

In mild cases, EV-71 causes cold-like symptoms, diarrhea, and sores on the hands, feet and mouth. Severe cases can cause fluid to accumulate in the brain, resulting in polio-like paralysis and death.

There is no treatment for severe EV-71 infections nor does a vaccine exist. Adults with well-developed immune systems can usually fend off the virus, but children are particularly vulnerable to it, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Health experts expect the number of HFMD cases to peak this summer, since the disease thrives in warm weather. Taiwan had a large outbreak of HFMD in the summer of 1998 with 78 deaths, and smaller outbreaks in 2000, 2001 and 2005.

They stress that the risk of infection can be lowered by following good hygiene practices, including washing hands frequently and correctly -- especially after changing diapers or using the toilet, and cleaning dirty surfaces, soiled items and toys, first with soap and water and then disinfecting them by cleansing with a solution of chlorine bleach (made by adding 1 tablespoon of bleach to 4 cups of water).

Meanwhile, Taipei County Health Bureau ordered its 29 health offices to instruct local kindergartens and primary schools students to carry out throughout disinfection work in all classrooms on Sunday, in an all-out effort to curb the virus outbreak.

Health officials instructed teachers to clean their classrooms on a daily basis thereafter, warning that they would conduct regular spot checks to ensure that the schools are maintaining proper sanitation levels.

Further, they have temporary banned children under five from entering public indoor play areas in seven enterovirus high-alert areas in Taipei County.

As of yesterday, Taipei County had reported a total of 18 suspected enterovirus cases, with eight confirmed as serious enterovirus infections.

Huang Wen-kwei, the bureau's chief secretary, said seven enterovirus high-risk areas where the ban has been imposed are all high population density centers -- Shulin, Hsingchuang, Lujou, Banchiao, Bali, Hsindian and Jhonghe.

Businesses with indoor play areas for children that violate the ban will be fined between NT$60,000 (US$1,980) and NT$300,000, Huang said.

 

[Giuseppe]

Re: Taiwan: Intestinal virus by week 40 cases of 5 children

Taiwan combats virus as death toll hits seven

TAIPEI (AFP) -

Taiwan has barred children aged under five from going to public play areas in a bid to contain the spread of a highly contagious virus that has killed seven so far this year, officials said Sunday.

Playgrounds at fast food outlets and hospitals in northern Taipei county were shut down from Saturday, as officials raced to sterilise hundreds of kindergartens and elementary schools.

The highly contagious enterovirus 71, or EV71, can lead to acute hand, foot and mouth disease, which is most dangerous to the young.

Dozens of children have died of the illness in mainland China this year.

In Taiwan, the latest victim was an 11-month-old baby from southern Chiayi county who died on Friday, just four days after he was found to have contracted the virus, health officials said.

A total of 192 children in Taiwan have developed severe symptoms after contracting the virus this year, according to official data.
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[Shiloh]

Re: Taiwan: Intestinal virus by week 40 cases of 5 children

Source: http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national news/2008/06/19/161643/204-enterovirus.htm

Thursday, June 19, 2008
204 enterovirus infections confirmed this year: CDC
CNA

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- As of Wednesday noon, 204 confirmed serious enterovirus infections and seven resulting deaths had been reported, according to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Deputy Director-General Chou Jih-haw.

A total of 27 cases were confirmed last week and fewer than 40 confirmed cases reported a week before, but it is too early to say whether the infection situation is abating, as it requires one week to confirm reported cases, Chou said.

Most of the confirmed cases are infections of Enterovirus Type 71 (EV71) -- a fatal strain that has spread to Taiwan from other Southeast Asian countries.

The virus enters the body through the gastrointestinal tract, where it thrives, and can move on to attack the nervous system. Children are more susceptible to the infection than healthy adults.

There is no vaccine for the virus, but frequent hand-washing and disinfection are known to help prevent infection.

Wu Han ping, a pediatrician with more than 10 years experience in treating serious enterovirus in the central county of Taichung, said that comatose sleep, vomiting, and spasms are symptoms of milder cases turning serious.

Health officials have suggested that people use diluted household bleach, which contains chlorine, as a disinfectant, instead of ethanol-based products that do not kill the potentially lethal virus.

The disinfectant can be applied to objects that young children often touch, such as door handles, tables, chairs, toys and books, to decrease the risk of contracting the virus that can thrive for days at room temperature.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Taiwan: Intestinal virus by week 40 cases of 5 children

Source: http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2008/06/20/2003415242

Four serious enterovirus cases confirmed

STAFF WRITER, WITH CNA
Friday, Jun 20, 2008, Page 2

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) confirmed four more cases of severe enteroviral infection yesterday, bringing the total number of cases to 208 this year.

The new cases included one in Hualien County ? the first recorded there this year, Centers for Disease Control Deputy Director-General Chou Chih-hau (周志浩) said.

Chou said the four children developed symptoms of the disease early this month and three were treated and discharged from hospitals. The fourth is expected to be released soon.

The center has confirmed seven fatalities from severe enteroviral infection this year and is trying to determine if a 34-month-old Chiayi County boy who died on Wednesday had the virus.

Chou said the boy fell ill on Sunday but was not taken to hospital until Tuesday, adding that he had displayed symptoms of a severe enteroviral infection such as hand-foot-mouth disease ? repeated jerky limb movements and drowsiness.

The results of the tests would not be available until today at the earliest, Chou said.

The center said almost all serious enterovirus cases recorded this year were caused by enterovirus 71 (EV71) and that all those infected were under the age of five, except for a 14-year-old in Hsinchu City.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislative caucus has urged the government to come up with an effective plan for fighting the enterovirus as quickly as possible.

?I think the government should take care of this and come up with sufficient resolution as soon as possible,? caucus whip William Lai (賴清德) said yesterday morning.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Taiwan: Intestinal virus by week 40 cases of 5 children

Source: http://english.rti.org.tw/Content/GetSingleNews.aspx?ContentID=60092
06/21/2008

Health authorities confirm new enterovirus cases

Health authorities in Taiwan confirmed ten new cases of serious enteroviral infection on Saturday. This brings the total number of cases in the country to 232 this year.

The outbreak has claimed eight lives in Taiwan to date. The latest fatality, a three year-old boy in the north of the country, was confirmed on Friday.

Health officials have cautioned that the outbreak is still in its peak period and are reminding the public to remain vigilant in terms of hygiene.

The enterovirus outbreak began in southern Taiwan earlier this year and has since spread to all parts of the island. Most of the patients have been children under five.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Taiwan: Intestinal virus by week 40 cases of 5 children

Source: http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national news/2008/06/22/162094/As-enterovirus.htm
Sunday, June 22, 2008

As enterovirus spreads, hospitals close play areas
CNA

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- Local hospitals and clinics should shut down their children's play areas beginning next week to help prevent the further spread of the potentially lethal enterovirus infection, an official said yesterday.

"The epidemic response command center has directed city and county governments to convey the message to medical institutions in their respective administrative districts," said Chou Jih-haw, deputy director-general of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) who concurrently serves as spokesman for the Cabinet-level command center.

Noting that children's play areas inside medical institutions could become a hotbed for transmission or cross infection of enterovirus, Chou said their temporary closure will contribute to control the epidemic.

As some hospitals and clinics have already closed their play areas one or two weeks ago, Chou said the implementation of the new ban should not be too difficult.

With the epidemic now at its peak, Chou said, play areas at hospitals or clinics should not reopen until after the command center lifts the ban.

Violators will be slapped with fines ranging between NT$3,000 and NT$15,000 in line with the current regulations, Chou added.

The enterovirus is a virus that enters the body through the gastrointestinal tract and thrives there. The virus is the most common cause of aseptic meningitis and can cause serious illness, especially in infants and those with compromised immune systems.

The epidemic response command center issued the order amid a continued rise in the number of confirmed severe enterovirus cases around Taiwan.

As of Saturday morning, the number of confirmed severe enterovirus cases had risen to 232 so far this year, eight of which were fatal, according to CDC tallies.

The CDC is also conducting tests to determine whether a boy in the southern county of Chiayi who died Wednesday had been infected with the virus, Chou said, adding that the test results are expected within the next two weeks.

The enterovirus outbreak began in southern Taiwan earlier this year and has spread northward to cover all pats of the island. Most of the patients have been young children aged under 5.

According to the CDC, almost all serious enterovirus cases recorded this year were caused by enterovirus 71 (EV71) -- the virus' deadliest strain -- and all those infected were aged under 5, with the exception of one 14-year-old resident of Hsinchu City.

As the outbreak is still in its peak period, Chou reminded the public to remain vigilant in terms of their own and their children's personal hygiene.

There are still no vaccines for the viral disease, but frequent hand-washing and maintaining a clean living environment are believed to be the best protection against the infection, Chou said.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Taiwan: Intestinal virus by week 40 cases of 5 children

Source: http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national news/2008/06/25/162482/CDC-reports.htm
Wednesday, June 25, 2008

CDC reports highest weekly enterovirus cases

The China Post news staff

The Centers for Disease Control reported 42 new and confirmed severe enterovirus cases in Taiwan to raise the total cases to 245, prompting medical officials to heighten vigilance against possible new outbreak

The figure represents the highest cases for any week so far this year. Most of the new cases involve children under the age of five in southern Taiwan.

Taiwan and offshore islands are entering the most critical period this week when the DOH is observing whether the enterovirus epidemic is abating, according to Kuo Hsu-sung, director-general of the CDC under the DOH.

To date, eight deaths have been reported this year in the worst enterovirus epidemic since 1998 when the disease caused 78 deaths, according to the latest tally.

"This week is a particularly critical period to observe and determine whether the enterovirus epidemic this year has peaked," Kuo said at a press conference.

He added that if fewer infected cases are reported by the end of this week, the situation will most likely slow down.

Kuo noted that there are currently 18 young children still receiving intensive care at hospitals.

But he stressed that only one-third of the patients are placed at the intensive care centers at larger hospitals mainly because of weak their physical conditions.

Two-thirds were recuperating at intensive care centers for close observation.

Kuo gave assurances that there are enough hospital beds to care for sick children.

But he conceded that there was a problem with the coordination of resources.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Taiwan: Intestinal virus by week 40 cases of 5 children

Source: http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national news/2008/06/26/162666/DOH-urges.htm
Thursday, June 26, 2008

DOH urges 'alert, not panic' on enterovirus outbreak
The China Post news staff

Department of Health (DOH) chief Lin Fang-yue yesterday urged the public "not to panic, but to keep alert" on the latest outbreak of enterovirus cases in Taiwan. He also suggested that people dial "1922" hotline when they need assistance or advice.

There is also a full list of more than 60 larger medical organizations on the DOH's Web site that are charged with the special mission of treating children infected with the virus, Lin said.

Responding to the call of lawmakers from the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for him to step down, Lin said that all medical workers as well as the public should continue working hard to bring the outbreak under control quickly.

The latest enterovirus outbreak has claimed the lives of eight young children so far this year in the worst enterovirus epidemic since 1998 when the disease caused 78 deaths.

When people run into difficulties or setbacks, they should all work harder to meet the challenges and overcome the problems instead of quitting, said Lin, who served as superintendent of the National Taiwan University Hospital before taking up the current job last month.

Lin also clarified that the network of the medical institutions on the island possess adequate facilities to take care of the young patients.

Kuo Hsu-sung, director-general of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) under the DOH said parents and school teachers should maintain high alert on the symptoms of the children and bring them to hospitals as early as possible because timing is extremely critical to help the fight the virus.

The CDC reported 42 new and confirmed severe enterovirus to bring the total cases to 245 islandwide.

More than 50 elementary schools and kindergartens in Taipei County have decided to conclude the current academic term tomorrow to start the summer recess instead of the original schedule of June 30.

CDC officials have given notice to supplementary schools, also known as cram schools, to heighten vigilance against infection of children attending their schools during the summer vacation.

Schools that conceal information about enterovirus cases or refuse to temporarily suspend courses if two students were infected will face fines up to NT$300,000, the officials said.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Taiwan: Intestinal virus by week 40 cases of 5 children

Source: http://english.rti.org.tw/Content/GetSingleNews.aspx?ContentID=60392

06/26/2008
Enterovirus outbreak claims 9th victim

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) on Thursday confirmed another death caused by enterovirus, bringing the death toll this year to nine.

The latest victim was a four-month-old girl in southern Taiwan. She was hospitalized last week after developing symptoms of the illness. So far, 260 cases of severe enterovirus infection have been recorded this year.

Since children under five are most vulnerable to the disease, the government has instructed kindergartens, daycare centers and elementary schools to suspend classes if two or more cases are reported in the same class within one week.

 

[Commonground]

Re: Taiwan: Intestinal virus by week 40 cases of 5 children

Intestinal virus to the death of nine cases

http://www.wenweipo.com [2008-06-27]
[TVBS26 - According to the report: Taiwan's intestinal virus to the death of the first nine cases. According to the understanding of death, is a 5-month-old baby girl small, beginning June 15 with fever, emergency medical center had to seek medical treatment, and later because the symptoms was not obvious, be asked to go home, where he died on June 20. At present the cumulative cases of severe, and has accumulated 260 cases, the Government continued to remind people to washing hands frequently, fewer children out of public places, ensure safety.

http://64.233.179.104/translate_c?h...aper.wenweipo.com/2008/06/27/TW0806270015.htm

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Taiwan: Intestinal virus by week 40 cases of 5 children

Source: http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2008/06/29/2003416070

Store fined for violating enterovirus rules

STAFF WRITER, WITH CNA
Sunday, Jun 29, 2008, Page 2

The Taipei County Government fined a toy store NT$60,000 (US$2,000) on Friday for violating regulations on the prevention of enterovirus infection.

It was the first fine issued by the county government since its health bureau earlier this month barred children under the age of five from entering public play areas over concerns that this could help spread the potentially lethal virus.

During a surprise inspection on June 21, health officials spotted a three-year-old boy playing in a special zone for children in the Tom Dragon Castle toy store inside the Banciao (板橋) branch of the Far Eastern Department Store in Taipei County.

?As none of the employees tried to dissuade or prevent the boy from entering the area, we fined the firm NT$60,000,? a health official said.

Suspected and confirmed enterovirus cases have been reported in recent weeks in Taipei County.

The official said that in the past week, 50 to 130 suspected cases of severe enterovirus were reported by elementary schools, kindergartens and daycare centers.

?As the numbers indicate, the outbreak has yet to subside and we must be vigilant,? the official said.

Also on Friday, the county government added cram schools to the list of institutions obliged to report suspected enterovirus cases to the health bureau. Prior to that decision, only elementary schools, kindergartens and daycare centers were required to do so.

The enterovirus enters the body through the gastrointestinal tract and thrives there. The virus is the most common cause of septic meningitis and can cause serious illness, especially in infants and those with compromised immune systems.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Taiwan: Intestinal virus by week 40 cases of 5 children

Source: http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national news/2008/06/30/163246/Keeping-alert.htm

Monday, June 30, 2008
Keeping alert despite drop in enterovirus cases: CDC
The China Post news staff

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- The number of serious enterovirus cases declined last week, down to 43 cases from 65 the previous week. But health officials emphasized the public should guard against a possible small outbreak after schools open in September after the summer vacation.

Reflecting the current pattern, most of the new cases were concentrated mainly in central and southern parts of Taiwan, according to officials at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) under the Department of Health.

Despite the decline in reported cases, Deputy Director General Chou Chih-hao said that based on experiences of previous outbreaks in recent years, families with young children and kindergartens that remain open should not let down their guard against the virus during the coming months.

Chou warned that local kindergartens and day-care centers should also especially be on high alert as they do not have a summer vacation.

Adults and particularly children should wash their hands often to avoid contracting the enterovirus, he noted. The latest enterovirus disease outbreak has brought the number of total fatalities from the viral infection up to nine.

Most large hospitals report a surge of young patients at emergency departments on weekends as many parents tend to bring their kids to the medical centers for close examination.

This has created an unusual workload for the medical staff at emergency departments.

Solutions containing alcohol are also enjoying increased sales at local pharmacies as consumers generally believe the products can help fight the virus.

But researchers at the CDC said that bleaching solution is presently the only known material that can kill the enterovirus.

Parents may use diluted bleach solution to clean toys, door knobs, chairs, desks and other objects frequently touched by the children.

Another way is to place the washed clothes under the hot sun.

But frequently washing hands remains a vital way to help ward off the virus and avoid infection, they said.

To be effective, parents and teachers should instruct the children to use soaps to rub hands for at least 20 seconds and then rinse the hands with a lot of water to get rid of the viruses before they have a chance to enter the body through mouth, they added.