[Life] 1 New Severe Enterovirus Case; Doctor: D68 Type Symptoms Atypical, May Cause Encephalitis, Limb Paralysis
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The enterovirus epidemic in Taiwan is slowly rising. Last week, one new severe case of enterovirus D68 was reported, a girl under 5 years old from northern Taiwan. Dr. Lin Yong-ching, an epidemic prevention physician at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), stated today (16th) that the symptoms of D68 are atypical, mainly characterized by fever, runny nose, and cough. A small number of patients may develop complications such as encephalitis, limb paralysis, and respiratory failure. He urged parents to pay special attention to the signs of severe illness. #Interview report by Radio Taiwan International (RTI) reporter Liu Pin-hsi#
According to monitoring data from the CDC, Taiwan is in the peak season for enterovirus. Last week, there were 5,824 outpatient and emergency visits, a slight increase of 2.4% from the previous week's 5,686 visits, with a general trend of slow increase recently. Laboratory monitoring over the past four weeks shows that Coxsackievirus A6 is the most prevalent in the community, followed by Coxsackievirus A4, enterovirus D68, and Coxsackievirus A10. Additionally, one new severe case of enterovirus D68 was reported domestically last week, bringing the total to 5 severe cases this year, including 1 death. The severe cases include 3 cases of enterovirus D68, and one each of Coxsackievirus A4 and Coxsackievirus A16.
Dr. Lin Yong-ching, an epidemic prevention physician at the CDC, pointed out that the newly reported severe enterovirus case last week was a girl under 5 years old from northern Taiwan. In late May, she developed symptoms such as fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, and decreased appetite and activity. She had sought medical attention at a clinic. Later, due to persistent symptoms including lethargy and difficulty breathing, she sought emergency care and was admitted to the hospital. Examinations revealed bronchial pneumonia. During hospitalization, she experienced rapid breathing, high fever, and acute flaccid paralysis (AFP), along with signs of encephalitis and myelitis. Laboratory tests confirmed infection with enterovirus D68 complicated by severe illness. She is currently receiving treatment in the intensive care unit.
Dr. Lin Yong-ching stated that infections with enterovirus D68 primarily present with respiratory symptoms, which differ from typical enterovirus symptoms. A small number of patients may develop complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and limb paralysis. He urged parents to pay close attention to the signs of severe illness. He said: "(Original sound) Generally speaking, the main symptoms of enterovirus D68 infection are, as seen in this case, respiratory symptoms such as fever, runny nose, and cough. This is quite different from the typical enterovirus symptoms we often hear about, such as hand, foot, and mouth disease and herpangina. However, severe D68 infections can still lead to acute flaccid paralysis, encephalitis, myelitis, or respiratory failure. In this case, the patient experienced these severe conditions."
Dr. Lin Yong-ching emphasized that infants and young children under 5 years old are at high risk for severe enterovirus illness. If a young child in the household is infected with enterovirus, parents should monitor their condition closely. If signs of severe enterovirus illness appear, such as lethargy, confusion, poor vitality, limb weakness, myoclonus, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, or rapid heartbeat, they must be immediately taken to a major hospital for treatment.
Dr. Lin Yong-ching stated that there is currently no vaccine or specific medication for enterovirus D68 for prevention or treatment. The most effective preventive measures include good hand hygiene and cough etiquette, reducing visits to crowded public places, and practicing rest at home when sick to lower the risk of enterovirus transmission.
Source Link: https://www.rti.org.tw/news?uid=3&pid=214836
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