As of May 4, 2008 the number of hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) cases reported in Beijing reached 1482, resulting in no deaths.

Fifteen out of the 57 samples collected by the Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention from April 30 to May 4 have been confirmed as triggered by enterovirus 71 (EV71), a highly contagious virus that preys on children usually aged between two and six. This is the first time this year EV 71 has been found in Beijing.

On the morning of May 5, the Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention disclosed that CA 16 and EV 71 are two main pathogens involved in HFMD cases in Beijing.

According to experts, HFMD, characterized by fever, sores in the mouth and rashes on hands and feet, is not a new infection and is common among infants and children. Patients usually recover naturally within five to seven days. But if complications develop, the disease worsens rapidly.

Predictions forecast that in the following months HFMD cases in Beijing may increase since June and July are the peak seasons for the disease.

Beijing's You'an Hospital, Children's Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics and other facilities have set up special clinics to receive HFMD patients. HFMD cases must be reported to the Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention within 10 hours and epidemic outbreaks within two hours.

The Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention will utilize media sources on a weekly basis to access the information regarding any possible epidemic situation. Also, 100,000 brochures will be printed to educate the public in preventing HFMD.

If three cases of HFMD emerge in a kindergarten class within one day, and fives cases within two days, the class must close for up to a week.

(China.org.cn by Li Xiaohua, May 6, 2008)