Another Reason Not To Go To The Olympics

Twenty two children have died from a virus, Enterovirus 71 (EV71), outbreak in the Anhui and Zhejiang provinces of China. The outbreak started in March but authorities only reported it last week. BBC

China has issued a nationwide health alert in an effort to control the outbreak of a virus which has killed 22 children in the east of the country.

A statement from the health ministry said it was taking urgent measures to prevent the spread of the infection, known as Enterovirus 71 (EV71).

The highly contagious intestinal virus can cause fever, blisters in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet.

Officials fear the virus has spread from eastern provinces to the south.

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More than 3,000 children in the eastern provinces of Anhui and Zhejiang are reported to have been infected by the virus.

In extreme cases, the virus can cause brain, heart and lung damage.

Sensitive issue

The outbreak emerged in Fuyang city in March, but was only reported last week.

The delay has led to accusations of a cover-up by local authorities.

The Chinese health ministry has rejected charges that it has failed to handle the situation properly, arguing that medical teams had been trying to work out what the illness was.

The number of children infected with EV71 has risen sharply since the outbreak was disclosed. Public health experts think cases will keep rising before peaking around June or July, the World Health Organisation said.