TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control announced Tuesday that severe enterovirus infections, particularly echovirus 11, continue to pose a serious threat to newborns.

Last week, two newborns died from complications related to echo 11 infections. Another newborn was diagnosed with a severe case of the same virus, according to CNA.

Echovirus 11, or echo 11, is a type of enterovirus that primarily affects newborns and young children, according to obstetrician-gynecologist Tsai Feng-po (蔡鋒博). The virus can cause severe hepatitis, leading to liver failure and disrupting normal blood clotting.

So far this year, Taiwan has recorded seven severe enterovirus cases in newborns, five of which have been fatal. Among these, echo 11 was responsible for four deaths and one additional severe case.

One of the recent fatalities involved a six-day-old girl from southern Taiwan who developed fulminant hepatitis, septic shock, and multiple organ failure. A three-day-old boy from the same region also died from septic shock, meningitis, and multiple organ failure.

The most recently confirmed case involves another three-day-old male newborn from southern Taiwan. The infant developed neonatal sepsis and was admitted to the intensive care unit, where tests confirmed an echo 11 infection.

In terms of broader trends, the CDC reported 6,009 enterovirus-related clinic visits from June 8–14—a 14% increase from the previous week’s 5,257 visits. Among the circulating viruses, echo 11 accounts for the highest proportion at 34%.

CDC spokesperson Lo Yi-chun (羅一鈞) said that while mild enterovirus cases have not reached epidemic levels, the surge in severe infections among newborns is a serious concern. This year’s total of seven severe cases is the highest recorded during this period in the past six years.

Historical data further underscore the risks. Between May and July 2018, Taiwan recorded seven severe newborn cases linked to echo 11, resulting in six deaths. Based on these patterns, Lo warned that the peak season for newborn enterovirus infections is expected to last through the end of July.

The CDC urges expectant parents and healthcare facilities caring for newborns to remain highly vigilant and take precautionary measures.