China battles a deadly virus that has killed at least 22 children and
infecting more than 3,000 people.

(ASIA) FUYANG, ANHUI PROVINCE, CHINA (MAY 3,2008)CCTV -

A rapidly-spreading virus that has already killed 22 children in
eastern China has killed an 18-month-old boy in southern China's Guangdong
province, local media reported on Saturday (May 3).
    The boy died in Guangdong's Foshan city from a suspected case of hand,
foot and mouth disease, which was probably caused by the enterovirus 71, or
EV71.
    Enterovirus 71 began spreading in Fuyang in the eastern province of
Anhui in early March but authorities only reported it publicly last  Sunday
(April 27), saying there had been 789 cases so far.
    Enteroviruses are spread mostly through contact with infected blisters
or faeces and can cause high fever, paralysis and swelling of the brain or its
lining. There are no vaccines or antiviral agents available to treat or
prevent the virus, leaving large parts of China's population vulnerable to
potentially fatal infection.
    Local authorities have started putting written signs on houses warning
people about the virus while streets are being sprayed with disinfection
agents in an attempt to slow down the spread of disease.
    "We have to do prevention first and give more information to
public about this virus. We have to let citizens know more about this disease.
Medical workers should go out and do more to treat those who are possibly
infected with virus", China's Health Vice Minister, Liu Quan said.
    The delay in reporting the virus to the public has triggered heated
discussion and criticism in the Chinese media, which said local government
officials should be sacked.
    Officials have said that almost all of those infected were children
under the age of six and most were under two.
    So far, 3,321 cases have been reported with 978 patients being
hospitalised while 48 are reported to be in a serious condition.    
    Health officials said people could take simple hygiene steps to prevent
the spread of the virus. Treatment for the viral infection focuses on managing
its complications, which can include meningitis and heart failure, according
to the World Health Organisation.