TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control confirmed on Tuesday (Dec. 10) a new severe case of enterovirus infection involving a newborn from the northern region. This marks the eighth severe enterovirus case nationwide this year. The CDC revealed the 5-day-old newborn developed intermittent fever, poor appetite, and low energy on Nov. 18, prompting medical attention. Upon referral the same day, the infant showed signs of jaundice, mild tachycardia, suspected sepsis, and dehydration.
The infant contracted Coxsackievirus B3, which led to severe complications. Fortunately, the infant was discharged after treatment. The CDC urged the public to remain vigilant as the enterovirus outbreak persists in the country. So far this year, Taiwan has recorded eight severe enterovirus cases. These include three cases of Coxsackie A2, two of Coxsackie A10, and one each of Coxsackie A16, B3, and B4. Alarmingly, six of these cases involved children under one year old.
Health officials emphasized the importance of hygiene, advising adults to change clothes after returning home and to wash hands thoroughly before holding or feeding infants. They also recommended that pregnant women, newborns, and young children avoid contact with infected individuals to reduce transmission risks.
