TAINAN (TVBS News) — The Tainan City Government Public Health Bureau (台南市政府衛生局) on Friday (Dec. 27) reported the city's second case this year of enterovirus (腸病毒) infection with severe complications, citing a 13-year-old student who had contracted the illness, highlighting a concerning rise in cases.
The student first experienced symptoms, including fever, runny nose, and productive cough (wet cough), on Dec. 5. After initial medical consultation at a clinic, the student was hospitalized on Dec. 14. By Dec. 25, doctors confirmed the diagnosis of enterovirus infection with severe complications (D68 type), and the patient remains in the pediatric ward with improved condition.
The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC, 疾病管制署) reported that, as of Dec. 26, emergency visits for enterovirus in Tainan reached 53,696, marking a 56% increase from the previous year. Recent lab surveillance over the past four weeks indicates Coxsackie A16 is the most prevalent strain, followed by Coxsackie A6, with Coxsackie A virus and enterovirus D68 also active in the community.
The Tainan City Government Public Health Bureau urges parents to stay vigilant about their children's health and seek medical attention promptly. As enterovirus cases continue to rise, the community must prioritize early medical intervention to prevent severe outcomes.