TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Centers for Disease Control estimates that Taiwan will enter its enterovirus epidemic period in mid-June.

Enteroviruses are common viruses that primarily affect infants, children, and adolescents during the summer and fall. Symptoms can range from a mild flu-like illness to hand-foot-and-mouth disease. However, most adults do not experience any symptoms due to existing immunity.

The center held a press conference Wednesday to outline the potential enterovirus epidemic. CDC Spokesperson Lo Yi-chun (羅一鈞) said that as summer approaches, enterovirus cases are expected to rise, and the peak of the outbreak is likely to occur in September, per CNA.

The center said that 3,762 individuals in Taiwan sought medical treatment for enterovirus infections between April 27 and Saturday. It noted that this figure is lower compared to the numbers typically seen during the same period in previous years.

Lo said that because last year’s enterovirus season extended into January, many previously infected individuals may still have immunity. He added that this year's cooler spring temperatures also helped reduce the virus’ ability to spread.

The majority of these cases were caused by type A16, followed by types A6 and 11, the center said. So far this year, there have been four severe cases of enterovirus with complications, including two newborns, and three reported deaths.

The center warned that children under the age of 5 are at high risk for severe enterovirus infections. It urged the public to seek medical attention if a child displays symptoms such as drowsiness, reduced activity, unknown muscle twitching, or persistent vomiting.

Asia University Hospital pediatrician Chen Te-ching (陳德慶) said the number of diarrhea-related medical visits nationwide this year is the highest over the past five years. He explained that most cases were caused by stomach viruses, which are mainly spread through contact with fecal germs.

Chen added the most common cause of viral stomach infections is norovirus, which usually spreads between November and the following March. Norovirus can affect people of all ages but often causes diarrhea, vomiting, and fever in children under five.