TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taipei City Hospital Pediatrician Cheng Yen-chen (鄭彥辰) said Thursday that newborns infected with enterovirus may rapidly develop severe symptoms, and urged parents to seek immediate medical attention if babies have a rapid heartbeat, unexplained bruising, or seizures.

Older children infected with enterovirus may develop mouth ulcers and blisters on their hands and feet. Cheng noted that newborns with enterovirus infection often show mild or no symptoms, mostly experiencing fever or low body temperatures, reduced feeding, and drowsiness, which are easily mistaken for a common cold, per CNA.

Cheng said there is no specific medication for treating enterovirus. Enteroviruses can infect people of all ages, especially children, and are highly contagious. Care for infected children with mild symptoms focuses on managing symptoms such as fever and cough, supporting breathing, and ensuring enough fluids and nutrition.

Most patients recover on their own within seven to 10 days, Cheng said. In severe cases, doctors may give the affected child a protein treatment through an injection to help boost the immune system.

Cheng also noted that pregnant women who develop fever, respiratory symptoms, or diarrhea within two weeks before giving birth should seek medical attention. He added that mothers experiencing suspected enterovirus symptoms during breastfeeding should temporarily stop nursing and consult a doctor to determine whether temporary separation from the baby is necessary.

Centers for Disease Control Deputy Director-General Lo Yi-chun (羅一鈞) said that Taiwan remains in its enterovirus peak season in July and August. As of June, there have been nine cases of severe enterovirus infections in the country, six of which resulted in death.

Lo added the center has instructed 1,720 daycare centers and 255 postpartum care centers nationwide to complete environmental disinfection by Tuesday.