Epidemic still peaking: Taiwan  

臺灣腸病毒疫情持續 累計82例重癥個案

臺灣腸病毒疫情仍處于高峰期，且重癥個案持續發生。臺灣“衛生署”疾病管制局26日表示，近期腸病毒疫情于高峰波動，且上周呈現微幅上升趨勢。監測數據顯示，上周，臺灣新增4例腸病毒71型重癥個案。截至目前，累計共有82例重癥個案，其中80例為腸病毒71型感染所致，并造成1人死亡。

Taipei (CNS) -- The enterovirus epidemic in Taiwan shows no signs of waning, with the number of serious victims steadily climbing; of the 82 infected one has already died, the Center for Disease Control, Department of Health, confirmed on Tuesday.

The first time enterovirus spread widely across the island was in 1998, with 78 deaths recorded, followed by the second in 2008 when 14 deaths were noted.

This year's epidemic extended from last winter. The high infectivity coupled with the low death rate is a phenomenon thought to need further gene sequencing research to determine whether the previous virus has mutated into a new type.

Latest probes show that parents and guardians are unaware that any children they suspect have been infected should be taken to a big hospital. Preventitive measures have been urged as well: children must be taught to frequently wash their hands with soap.

The authority has warned that most victims only present light symptoms like a cough at the beginning, but other signs soon appear, including sustained fever, drowsiness, myoclonus, polypnea and a strong heartbeat. In these cases, the potential victim must be sent to a medical institution right away.