I. According to the epidemic surveillance data from the Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare (hereinafter referred to as the CDC), 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.
II. 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 and toddler care centers will continue to operate and provide care during the summer vacation. To reduce the risk of enterovirus transmission, please ensure that your school (kindergarten) implements relevant prevention measures:
(I) Please strictly adhere to the principle of "stay home when sick." Because enterovirus is highly contagious, children with enterovirus should self-isolate at home. In principle, according to the prevention manual for childcare providers recommended by the CDC, Ministry of Health and Welfare, they should rest for 7 days from the onset of illness to reduce the risk of transmission.
(II) 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 the toilet after use, thorough disinfection with 500 PPM and 1,000 PPM bleach solutions should be performed regularly to eliminate the source of enterovirus transmission.
(III) Disseminate precautions for parents and infant and toddler caregivers:
1. Before holding or feeding infants and toddlers after returning home from going out, please change your outer clothes and pay attention to personal hand hygiene. Strictly 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 taking children 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 taken to one of the 5 designated hospitals for severe enterovirus cases in this city (Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, St. Paul's Hospital, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, and Taoyuan General Hospital, Armed Forces) as soon as possible for prompt treatment to reduce the chance of severe illness.
(IV) For information related to enterovirus prevention and control, please visit the Department of Health website (http://dph.tycg.gov.tw) / Thematic Zone / Enterovirus Zone.