TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said on Tuesday (June 4) that Taiwan was still in the midst of an enterovirus epidemic, but the peak had passed as there were 16,729 hospital visits last week, an increase of 8.2% from the previous week.

The CDC says enterovirus data indicates cases are beginning to decrease, though transmission could continue until after summer vacation. The threshold for an “epidemic” is 11,000 weekly cases, per CNA.

Enterovirus, also known as hand-food-and-mouth disease, typically affects young infants and school-aged children. It is highly contagious and spreads through air droplets, resulting in fever and blisters making eating and drinking difficult.

Due to the high transmission rate, school and public health authorities are often on the lookout for cluster infections.  At the moment, 360 classes are currently suspended across Taiwan, which is down from 398 suspended last week.

CDC Epidemic Intelligence Center Deputy Director Lee Chia-lin (李佳琳) said Taiwan continues to be in the epidemic phase due to hospital visits from May 26 to June 1. Lee said laboratory results show enterovirus transmission is mainly type A, with only three cases being considered severe: two associated with A2 and one associated with A10.

The CDC reminds the public that with the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival holiday, there are more opportunities for disease transmission as families travel to visit relatives and friends or participate in festivals. The public is asked to be vigilant about hygiene, as both adults and children should implement frequent hand washing with soap and water, as well as clean and ventilate their home environment to reduce transmission risk.

If infants and young children are infected, they should avoid contact with other infants and young children. Symptoms can include lethargy, low energy, weakness, muscle twitching, persistent vomiting, shortness of breath, or a rapid heartbeat. If such symptoms occur, it is advised to see a doctor as soon as possible.