Department of Health, Taipei City Government

1. Introduction to Enterovirus

The enteroviruses belong to the Picornaviridae family of viruses, which are mainly divided into 5 subgenera, including polioviruses (3 serotypes), coxsackieviruses (23 serotypes for group A and 6 serotypes for group B), echoviruses (30 serotypes), and enterovirus (type 68). So far, no specific antiviral medication or treatment is available for an enteroviral infection. The best care is provided through supportive measures. Around 50% to 80% people suffering from an enteroviral infection were asymptomatic, or only show common cold-like symptoms; however, they unconsciously became the epidemic media. Although the enterovirus infection is easily spread, chance of infection  can be effectively lowered by getting into the habit of health care and regularly performing the disinfection of the home environment.

2. Disinfection Methods for Enterovirus

A. For general environment (bleach: water = 1:100): prepare the cleaning solution by adding 50cc of commercially available bleach (with the concentration of 5-6%) into 5 liters of tap water (the capacity of each large plastic bottle is 1,250cc and hence 4 bottles are equal to 5 liters) followed by mixing it evenly and then use the resulting solution to sterilize the object surface (door handles, classroom desks and chairs, tables, staircase hand rail) that you come into contact with frequently, toys, recreational facilities, bed sheets and books.

B. For children’s secretions or excretions (bleach: water = 1:50): prepare the cleaning solution by adding 50cc of commercially available bleach (with the concentration of 5-6%) into 2.5 liters of tap water (the capacity of each large plastic bottle is 1,250cc and hence 4 bottles are equal to 5 liters) followed by mixing it evenly and then use the resulting solution to disinfect the contaminated area.

C. Environments above 50°C, UV and aldehydes, halogen disinfectants (such as commercially available chlorine bleach) can all make enterovirus lose its vitality. Therefore, processing food with heat treatment, moving objects that have been cleaned outdoors to get sunlight, and disinfecting indoor environments regularly, can reduce the spread of enterovirus.

3. Timing to Treat Enterovirus Infection

Most people who are infected with enterovirus can spontaneously get healed within 7-10 days. If a child in the household is suffering from an enteroviral infection, the parents should pay close attention to the appearance of the following precursory symptoms that may cause serious complications, and should take the child to a large hospital immediately, to prevent disease progression.

A. Hypersomnia, altered consciousness, poor vitality, limb weakness.

B. Myoclonic jerk (startle or sudden contraction of muscles without cause).

C. Persistent vomiting.

D. Shortness of breath or rapid heartbeat. 

If you have any questions, please call the 24-hour epidemic prevention hotline at 2375-3782.

Keep hands clean, away from enterovirus; by implementing hand-washing at five moments ("before a meal, after going to the toilet, after blowing nose", "after medical treatment", "after playing with the kids") and five steps ("wet, rub, rinse, hold, wipe"), you can effectively reduce the spread of enterovirus.