BEIJING — An outbreak of intestinal virus in eastern China has killed at least 21 children, and the number of reported cases has risen to nearly 2,500, the official Xinhua News Agency said Friday.
Xinhua said all those suffering from Enterovirus 71 were 5 and younger, and most were younger than 2. The outbreak was first reported in March in Fuyang, a city in the eastern province of Anhui.
Xinhua quoted Gao Kaiyan, director of the Anhui provincial health department, as saying the total number of infected children stood at 2,477.
It said about 700 children are hospitalized, 36 of them in serious condition, and just over 1,000 are being treated as outpatients.
About 740 youngsters have recovered, Xinhua said.
The number of cases has steadily increased, the Anhui Health Bureau’s website said last week. An official investigation into the cause of the outbreak is underway, along with a prevention and control effort to contain infected areas, the bureau said.
The World Health Organization said Thursday that experts predict the virus will continue to spread in coming months, with a peak in June or July.
The WHO said there is no specific anti-viral therapy.
Enterovirus 71 is one of several viruses that cause hand, foot and mouth disease, which is characterized by fever, mouth sores and a rash with blisters. It is spread by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, saliva, fluid from blisters, or the stool of infected people.
