Enterovirus 71 (Ev71) Outbreak In Central China 

American citizens are advised of an ongoing outbreak in China of an intestinal virus called enterovirus 71, or EV71. This virus causes a variant of hand, foot, and mouth disease. There are no specific precautions for this other than the general hygiene recommendations for living in China.

Over 3300 cases and at least 22 deaths have been reported in Fuyang City in Anhui Province. All of the deaths were children less than 6 years old and most were under 2 years of age. A few additional cases have been confirmed in Hangzhou City in Zhejiang Province. Hubei Province and Hong Kong have also reported a few cases.

The symptoms of EV 71 are similar but more severe than the common hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). Typically, it starts with a generalized illness, poor appetite, and sore throat, followed by a fever, rashes on the hands, feet, and buttocks along with mouth ulcers. HFMD is often confused with foot-and-mouth disease of cattle, sheep, and swine. Although the names are similar, the two diseases are not related at all and are caused by different viruses.

Infection is spread from person to person by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, saliva, fluid from blisters, or the stool of infected persons. A person is most contagious during the first week of the illness. HFMD is not transmitted to or from pets or other animals.

For more information here are some useful links at the U.S. CDC:

HFMD page: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/enterovirus/hfhf.htm

Non-polio enteroviruses
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/enterovirus/non-polio_entero.htm

Viral (“aseptic”) meningitis
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/enterovirus/viral_meningitis.htm

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. or Canada, or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The US Consulate General in Shanghai can be reached 24 hours per day at 86-21-6433-3936. The addresses and telephone contact information for the US Embassy and Consulates are at the bottom of this announcement.

U.S. citizens residing or traveling in China are reminded to register with the U.S. Embassy or closest U.S. Consulate by entering your travel itinerary and contact information at: https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs. In case of difficulties registering online, please contact the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

U.S. Embassy Beijing: No. 2 Xiu Shui Dong Jie, Chaoyang District. tel: 86-10-6532-3431 Email: amcitbeijing@state.gov. Embassy’s website: beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn.

U.S. Consulate General Chengdu: Number 4, Lingshiguan Road, Section 4, Renmin Nanlu, Chengdu 610041, tel. 86-28-8558-3992 Email: consularchengdu@state.gov.

U.S. Consulate General Guangzhou: The Consular Section is located at 5th Floor, Tianyu Garden (II phase), 136-146 Lin He Zhong Lu, Tianhe District, tel. (86-20) 8518-7605; Email:GuangzhouACS@state.gov. Guangzhou adoptions Email: GuangzhouA@state.gov

U.S. Consulate General Shanghai: The Consular Section is located in the Westgate Mall, 8th Floor, 1038 Nanjing Xi Lu, Shanghai 200041; tel. (86-21) 3217-4650, Email: Shanghaiacs@state.gov.

U.S. Consulate General Shenyang: No. 52, 14th Wei Road, Heping District, Shenyang 11000 3; tel. (86-24) 2322-1198, Email: ShenyangACS@state.gov.