讀後心得

The Centers for Disease Control announced today the second case this year of a newborn dying from severe complications due to an enterovirus infection, declared dead within just a week. Since the end of last year, infections of "Echovirus type 11" have gradually increased in Taiwan, recently causing 2 deaths and 1 severe case. Doctors are reminding the public to be vigilant as the outbreak may expand. Experts point out that the danger of echovirus infection is greater for newborns, as it can lead to severe complications and even threaten life. The Centers for Disease Control urges pregnant women, newborns, and caregivers to maintain good hygiene practices and avoid contact with patients to reduce the risk of infection.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced today (25th) the second case this year of severe complications from enterovirus infection in a newborn, leading to death. The infant was declared dead just one week after the onset of illness. Within a short three-month period, the enterovirus outbreak has resulted in two deaths and one severe case, all involving infants infected with "Echovirus Type 11." Doctors remind the public that since the end of last year, the proportion of Echovirus infections has gradually increased domestically. With the recent emergence of severe cases and deaths, there is a risk of a potential epidemic leading to a pandemic.

The attending physician at National Taiwan University Hospital’s Pediatric Infectious Diseases Department pointed out that in the past, enterovirus outbreaks typically began in April and peaked in June. Although the epidemic alert level has not yet been reached, the number of Echovirus infection cases has been gradually rising since the end of last year. So far this year, three severe cases have been reported, all involving Echovirus Type 11, rather than the more commonly seen Enterovirus Type 71 or D68. The doctor mentioned that the transmission methods of Echovirus are similar to other enteroviruses, primarily spreading through respiratory secretions or feces of infected individuals. For older children and adults, the symptoms post-infection are usually mild, possibly just a slight fever or discomfort. However, for newborns and infants aged 2 to 3 months, infections with Echovirus can lead to severe consequences. If not detected and treated promptly, it could worsen into hepatitis, encephalitis, myocarditis, and even lead to coma, sepsis, and multiple organ failure, increasing the risk of death.

According to CDC statistics, since 2012, 60% of the severe cases of Echovirus have occurred in newborns under one month of age. The last time there were a significant number of Echovirus cases in Taiwan was in 2018. The doctor pointed out that if a virus has not been prevalent in Taiwan for many years, the antibodies will gradually decline. A study conducted by National Taiwan University Hospital in 2021 showed that the antibody rate against Echovirus among women of childbearing age was relatively low in cord blood samples taken from pregnant mothers, raising concerns about the potential for an epidemic this year. Therefore, doctors urge parents to remain vigilant, especially for infants under three months, who need to be particularly cautious.

The deputy director of the CDC stated that the number of enterovirus outpatient visits in the country is slightly lower than in the same period last year and has not yet reached the epidemic alert threshold. However, continuous monitoring of the development of the epidemic is still necessary. The CDC also reminds that pregnant women, newborns, and their caregivers should be particularly cautious to avoid contact with infected individuals and maintain good hygiene habits. Particularly during pregnancy and the period before and after childbirth, pregnant women should strengthen hand and respiratory hygiene, and promptly report any symptoms of fever or respiratory infection to their physician while isolating potential virus sources. In addition, adults and children at home should wash their hands regularly and avoid contact with newborns to reduce transmission risks. Hospitals, infant care centers, and postpartum care homes should implement visitor management and infection control measures. If cases of clustered enterovirus infections are detected, appropriate preventive measures should be promptly reported and taken.