Infant perishes due to enterovirus infection
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan has reported a newborn's death from a severe enterovirus infection, bringing the total number of such deaths this year to eight. According to the available data, the name of the newborn and the region where he lived are not provided.
Viral surveillance data show that Coxsackievirus A16 has been the dominant strain circulating locally over the past four weeks. Tests confirmed infection with echovirus 11 in the case of the newborn who passed away.
The CDC advises expectant mothers to pay more attention to their health condition before giving birth. They are urged to avoid crowded or poorly ventilated venues and contact with people exhibiting respiratory symptoms. If expectant mothers develop cold-like symptoms within two weeks before giving birth, they should inform their medical team.
Sixteen severe enterovirus cases have been reported this year, eight of which were fatal, marking the highest toll for the same period in six years. The CDC predicts that enterovirus infections could reach epidemic levels as early as next month, with case numbers in some regions already reaching more than 80 percent of their respective epidemic thresholds.
With schools reopening, the risk of viral transmission has increased. The CDC urges the public to maintain good hygiene practices, such as washing hands frequently and covering mouths when coughing or sneezing.
In addition to the rise in enterovirus cases, the CDC is also reporting an increase in malaria cases in Taiwan. Four imported cases were reported last week, involving three people who traveled abroad without taking preventive medication and a long-term resident of India. The case involving the long-term resident was confirmed as vivax malaria after they arrived in Taiwan.
Two of the travelers contracted Plasmodium vivax (which causes vivax malaria) in Indonesia, while another contracted Plasmodium falciparum (which causes severe malaria) in several African countries. The CDC urges travelers to malaria-endemic countries to visit a travel clinic at least one month before departure, continue taking prophylactic medication throughout their trip, and seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms, while informing their doctor about their travel history.
The CDC Epidemic Intelligence Center Deputy Director, Lee Chia-lin, reported 8,313 hospital visits for enterovirus last week, a 7 percent increase from the previous week. The CDC also reported the circulation of Echovirus 11 and Coxsackievirus A6 locally, following Coxsackievirus A16.
The infant who passed away was admitted to an intensive care unit for treatment due to sepsis-like symptoms, including a low blood platelet count and metabolic acidosis. He developed symptoms including low body temperature and jaundice seven days after birth.
The CDC advises the public to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones from these infectious diseases.
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