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Encephalitis outbreak under control in Fujian

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-06-02 11:11

FUZHOU - An outbreak of viral encephalitis that has hospitalized more than 100 children in Fujian province since early May is under control, local heath authorities said Thursday.

Of the 117 cases reported in Anxi county, 87 children have been discharged from hospital while the other 30 are receiving further treatment, said Wu Zhengxin, director of the county's health bureau.

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Another 52 cases were reported in Dehua county and 23 in the city of Fu'an, the Health Bureau of Fujian said in a statement.

All the hospitalized children are in stable condition, according to the bureau.

Investigations by experts from the Ministry of Health and local disease control centers have indicated that the disease was caused by the ECHO30-type intestinal virus, according to Wu.

Wu said the virus can cause fevers, headaches and vomitting but is not life-threatening.

The Fujian provincial government has ordered health authorities of all levels to closely monitor the disease to prevent its further spread.