TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC, 疾管署) reported on Friday (June 20) that a severe enterovirus outbreak has claimed the lives of four newborns this year. Authorities urge pregnant women and newborns to limit contact with others to curb the spread. The CDC expects the outbreak to persist through July, with five severe cases among newborns, four of whom succumbed to the echovirus 11 strain.
The echovirus 11 strain, genetically distinct from the 2018 variant but similar to strains seen in Europe from 2022 to 2023 and Japan in 2024, suggests international transmission. This strain's mutations and genetic recombinations have increased its virulence, leading to severe cases and fatalities among newborns in Europe and Japan. The CDC advises heightened preventive measures by the public and healthcare providers.
Regarding breastfeeding, the CDC recommends that mothers with fever, respiratory symptoms, or diarrhea cease breastfeeding until recovery. The agency plans to revise clinical guidelines for managing newborn enterovirus cases, emphasizing the need to halt breastfeeding if infection is suspected until the mother recovers. Medical experts also recommend that delivery rooms inquire about maternal contact history and enhance monitoring for early symptoms and liver indices in newborns, administering immunoglobulin promptly.
During the outbreak, the CDC advises against visitors, avoiding crowded places for newborns, and maintaining cleanliness. Pregnant women displaying fever or respiratory symptoms should seek medical attention immediately and avoid contact with symptomatic individuals. The CDC underscores the importance of cleanliness in preventing the virus from spreading.
