Virus Spreading in Eastern China
Annelise Stabenau
In China, a fast spreading virus has killed 22 children, and sickened almost 3,600 others. All of the fatalities have been in children under age six, and a majority of them under two. The virus is intestinal and is known as EV-71. It has spread through the city of Fuyang ever since early March. However, health officials only announced it this week, therefore raising question about a possible attempt at concealment. The World Health Organization warned that the disease could spread in the upcoming summer months, because it thrives in warm weather and is easily passed through children. School and childcare centers were advised to stay closed until the spread died down. Symptoms of the virus begin with a fever, leading often to mouth ulcers and blisters on the body. There is no known vaccine or cure, but most patients recover in a week sans treatment. Brain swelling in more serious cases can lead to paralysis or death. Cleaning surfaces with bleach and washing hands thoroughly can reduce the spread of pathogen. Health officials in Fuyang reported that over 970 children are hospitalized, 48 of them in critical condition. 340 cases have spread to Hubei. The number of infected children is growing, but fortunately the fatality rate has dropped significantly over the past weeks.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/03/world/asia/03china.html
June 3, 2008 at 9:30 pm |
At least its the virus seems to be under control. The East is always the region where new viruses appear. I guess its due to its huge population
June 4, 2008 at 4:49 pm |
I don’t feel as if this situation is under control, although the fatality rate may have dropped, many children are still becoming infected and it is spreading to another city. I think although the population may have something to do with it, it is moreover how the government responds to these types of situations. The article talks about how China has a very shaky public health system and often tries to cover up or deny that anything is wrong. Situations like this need to be taken very seriously and great measures should be taken to ensure that these types of viruses do not spread and it doesn’t seem as if the Chinese government is attempting to do this.
June 5, 2008 at 3:52 am |
The article discusses an epidemic in China that affects mainly childeren. It has affected over 3,600 and killed 22. It has been spreading since early March, but the Chinese government only made the World Health Orginization aware recently. This is disturbing because it shows that the Chinese government is more concerned with its image and concealing the truth, than the health of its own citizens and people of the world. This is an example of the Chinese Government’s policy of censorship.
June 7, 2008 at 3:06 am |
This is another example of China’s censorship. It is good that the fatality rate is going down, though China should take more precautions to make sure that it is not passed around.