Deadly virus strikes China

A deadly virus is spreading rapidly through eastern China.

More than twenty children have died from Enterovirus 71 and over 3,000 are believed to be infected. Most of them are also young children.


The virus began spreading in Fuyang in the eastern province of Anhui in early March but authorities didn't report it publicly until last week.

Hospitals in Fuyang are struggling to cope and have even placed beds in corridors for lack of space.


Enteroviruses spread mostly through contact with infected blisters or faeces.

They can cause high fever, paralysis and swelling of the brain or its lining, but officials say this strain can be hard to spot in adults.


This doctor says they can be similar to those of a bad cold.

With no vaccines or antiviral agents available medical staff can do little but recommend basic hygiene advice to prevent its spread.


Parents of sick children are being encouraged to wash and disinfect their hands to help prevent them passing it onto other children unknowingly.

Michelle Carlile-Alkhouri, Reuters