1. According to epidemic surveillance data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the recent epidemic of enterovirus in the country remains at a low level. However, in the 25th week, positive cases of enterovirus type 71 were detected in the community of this city, and the risk of severe complications from enterovirus infection is increasing.
2. During the summer vacation, children's frequency of activities in summer camps, after-school care centers, children's after-school care service centers, parent-child centers, and other indoor play places for children will increase. Moreover, most kindergartens and infant care centers continue to hold classes and provide care during the summer vacation. To reduce the risk of enterovirus transmission, please ensure that your school (kindergarten) implements relevant prevention measures:
(1) Please strictly adhere to the principle of "do not go to school when sick." Because enterovirus is highly contagious, children with enterovirus should self-isolate at home. In principle, according to the prevention manual for childcare personnel recommended by the CDC of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, they should rest for 7 days from the onset of illness to reduce the risk of transmission.
(2) For frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, tables, chairs, toys, and indoor play facilities, as well as the surrounding environment contaminated by splashes from toilets after use, please use 500 PPM and 1,000 PPM bleach solutions respectively to regularly disinfect the environment and eliminate the source of enterovirus transmission.
(3) Disseminate precautions for parents and infant caregivers:
1. Before hugging or feeding infants and young children after returning home from going out, be sure to change your outer clothes and pay attention to personal hand hygiene. Follow the five steps of handwashing: "wet, lather, rinse, cover, and dry" to reduce the chance of enterovirus transmission.
2. Pay attention to personal hygiene and develop good living habits. Choose more outdoor healthy leisure activities and reduce children's exposure to crowded indoor places.
3. Special attention should be paid to the three major warning signs of severe enterovirus infection in children (such as persistent drowsiness, persistent vomiting, and myoclonic jerks). If there is any suspicion, the child should be immediately sent to one of the 5 designated severe enterovirus hospitals in this city (Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, St. Paul's Hospital, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan General Hospital, Armed Forces) for medical treatment to receive proper care and reduce the chance of severe illness.
(4) For information related to enterovirus prevention and control, please visit the Health Bureau website (http://dph.tycg.gov.tw) / Special Topics / Enterovirus Special Topic.