Gyeonggi Health and Environment Research Institute Issues Summer 'Enterovirus' Advisory

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] The Gyeonggi-do Institute of Health and Environment Research has urged special caution ahead of the summer season, when enteroviruses that can cause hand, foot, and mouth disease among infants and young children are prevalent.

Enteroviruses are detected from late spring when temperatures rise, peak during the summer, and continue into early autumn. Infection with enteroviruses can cause viral meningitis, which leads to high fever, headaches, and vomiting, as well as hand, foot, and mouth disease, characterized by vesicular lesions on the hands, feet, and mouth accompanied by fever.

The number of enterovirus patients nationwide was 3,169 in 2018, 4,589 in 2019, 99 in 2020, and 55 in 2021. Among these, 72.9% of patients were concentrated during the summer months (June to August).

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, patient numbers decreased in 2020-2021, but with the gradual return to normal life and outdoor mask removal at playgrounds and summer camps, an outbreak centered on infants and young children is expected, requiring special attention.

Infants and young children vulnerable to enteroviruses may experience a high fever above 39 degrees Celsius or a fever above 38 degrees Celsius lasting more than 48 hours. Symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, and difficulty breathing may occur, and the virus can cause aseptic meningitis, hand, foot, and mouth disease, epidemic conjunctivitis, and encephalitis.

Park Yong-bae, director of the Gyeonggi-do Institute of Health and Environment Research, stated, "Enterovirus infections can be transmitted by drinking contaminated water or even in swimming pools, so thorough handwashing for more than 30 seconds after going out, after using the restroom, and before and after meals is essential." He added, "In places with a high risk of transmission such as kindergartens and daycare centers, thorough cleanliness management is necessary, including washing surfaces of toys, playground equipment, and utensils with soap and water followed by disinfection."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.