Health News
China expects further deaths from EV-71 virus
By DPA
May 2, 2008, 10:41 GMT

Geneva - Chinese health authorities are expecting more deaths from an outbreak of hand-foot-mouth disease in the east of the country, and believe the virus will peak in June or July, the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva said Friday.

The death of another child brought the official death toll to 21 in Fuyang city in Anhui province. The victims were all babies and children, who are most susceptible to the disease.

According to WHO, a total of 1,884 cases of enterovirus or EV-71 had been reported - although the region's health department has stated the figure is almost 3,000.

The symptoms include ulcers and blisters in the mouth, rashes on the hands and feet and fever. The disease is life-threatening in a small number of cases owing to complications like lung haemorrhage.

The virus is transmitted through saliva, blister fluid and faeces but it is rare among adults, who are strong enough to fight off the virus.

Sporadic cases had occurred since March but the disease was officially confirmed on April 23.

Chinese health authorities have stepped up prevention and control measures in Fuyang city and Anhui Province, including enhanced surveillance and training of health care workers at all levels in treatment, prevention and control.

A public awareness campaign has been launched stressing the need for good personal hygiene, mostly by hand washing.