Taiwan Braces for Enterovirus Surge: Peak Expected in Fall

Health officials anticipate rising cases starting in June, with potential for a September peak.

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan is anticipating the onset of an enterovirus epidemic period in mid-June, with a likely peak occurring in September.

Enteroviruses are prevalent viruses, especially affecting infants, children, and adolescents during the summer and fall months. Symptoms can range from mild flu-like symptoms to hand-foot-and-mouth disease. However, most adults, due to existing immunity, may not experience any symptoms.

During a Wednesday press conference, CDC Spokesperson Lo Yi-chun (羅一鈞) discussed the anticipated enterovirus epidemic. He stated that enterovirus cases are expected to increase as summer arrives, with the peak of the outbreak likely to occur in September, as reported by CNA.

The CDC reports that between April 27 and Saturday, 3,762 individuals in Taiwan sought medical treatment for enterovirus infections. Notably, this figure is lower than the numbers typically seen during the same period in previous years.

Lo explained that because last year's enterovirus season extended into January, many previously infected individuals may still have immunity. He also cited cooler spring temperatures as a factor that helped reduce the virus’ ability to spread.

The majority of reported cases were attributed to type A16, followed by types A6 and 11, according to the CDC. So far this year, there have been four severe cases of enterovirus with complications, including two newborns, and three reported deaths.

The CDC warned that children under 5 are at higher risk for severe enterovirus infections and urged the public to seek immediate medical attention if a child exhibits symptoms such as drowsiness, decreased activity, unexplained muscle twitching, or persistent vomiting.

Asia University Hospital pediatrician Chen Te-ching (陳德慶) noted that this year's number of diarrhea-related medical visits nationwide is the highest in the past five years. He explained that most cases were caused by stomach viruses, which primarily spread through contact with fecal germs.

Chen added that the most common cause of viral stomach infections is norovirus, which usually spreads between November and the following March. Norovirus can affect people of all ages but frequently causes diarrhea, vomiting, and fever in children under five.