讀後心得

Recently, there has been a second case of enterovirus-related death in a newborn in the country, involving a male infant less than one month old, confirmed to be infected with Echo virus type 11. Doctors pointed out that Echo virus poses a high risk to newborns and can lead to severe illness, with an increase in severe cases this year, particularly among premature infants. Experts remind that if a newborn shows symptoms such as fever and decreased activity, medical attention should be sought immediately. The Centers for Disease Control also stated that Echo virus has not circulated in Taiwan for many years, and the recent increase in cases raises concerns about a potential outbreak, and they will continue to monitor the situation.

Comparison of Enterovirus 11 and General Enteroviruses.

Recently, there was a case in the country of a newborn who died from an enterovirus infection; a male infant less than 1 month old from the northern region, with the infection source being Enterovirus 11. Doctors have issued a warning because Enterovirus is more common in newborns and can cause severe symptoms. Moreover, it has not been prevalent in Taiwan in recent years, implying a risk of a possible resurgence.

This death case involved a preterm newborn who was hospitalized in the pediatric intensive care unit in mid-February due to respiratory distress. By mid-March, the infant exhibited a series of symptoms at 3 weeks old, including low blood oxygen levels, hepatitis, decreased platelets, as well as worsening liver and heart function, ultimately progressing to septic shock and multiple organ failure, unfortunately passing away on March 17, with tests confirming infection with Enterovirus 11. Family members and medical contacts of the infant showed no suspicious symptoms, and the source of infection remains unclear.

According to statistics, the current enterovirus epidemic in the country is at a low point, with a total of 3,878 visits recently; however, there are still reports of severe cases. Laboratory monitoring results over the past four weeks indicate that the main type of enterovirus is Coxsackie A16, followed by Coxsackie A6 and Enterovirus 11. This year, there have been 3 cases of severe enterovirus, including 2 fatalities, both involving infants less than 1 month old; the incidence of severe disease has slightly increased compared to the same period from 2021 to 2024.

Experts from the pediatric infectious disease department at National Taiwan University Hospital note that enterovirus cases typically begin to rise in April and peak in June each year. However, since the end of last year, there have been rare cases of severe Enterovirus; older toddlers infected with this virus usually show no obvious symptoms, but infections in newborns can lead to severe illness or even death. If a newborn exhibits fever or decreased activity, vigilance should be raised.

Experts indicate that the transmission route of Enterovirus is similar to that of other enteroviruses, primarily through contact with the respiratory secretions or feces of infected patients, and newborns may also be infected before birth. Research shows that the positive rate of antibodies against Enterovirus in pregnant women is relatively low, which may be one reason why newborns are more susceptible to infection. Experts emphasize that Enterovirus has not been prevalent in Taiwan for a long time; since the increase in cases at the end of last year, there may be a risk of a resurgence.

The Centers for Disease Control stated that the last outbreak of Enterovirus was in 2018, and relevant authorities will continue to monitor the dynamics of this virus's epidemic.

Symptoms, transmission routes, and prevention methods of enterovirus.