EV71 Viral Outbreak in China, 1000s Infected, Dozens Dead

(Shanghai, China) Chinese authorities have ordered health officials to take quicker action in responding to the outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease which has recently killed 24 children and infected thousands.

"Our doctors will leave hospitals to find potential patients rather than sitting in the hospitals to wait for them," deputy health minister Liu Qian told state television in the worst-hit area, Fuyang city in the eastern province of Anhui.

The cases in Fuyang were caused by enterovirus 71, called EV71, according to the World Health Organization. It is transmitted by contact with infected blisters or feces. It can cause high fever, paralysis, swelling of the brain and death. Also, recent studies indicate that children who survive the infection have long-term neurological effects.

According to Dr. John F. Modlin of Dartmouth Medical School, outbreaks of EV71 infections have the possibility of becoming epidemics and, therefore, enterovirus 71 should be added to the list of emerging diseases.

Approximately, 90 percent of the fatal infections are in children younger than five years old. Outbreaks have occurred with some regularity: "in Malaysia in 1997 with 30 deaths and in Taiwan with 78 deaths in 1998, 25 deaths in 2000, and 26 deaths in 2001." Travelers to China and East Asia should take note of the potential danger.

Companion post at The Jawa Report