Parents Send Child with Suspected Infection to School
Facing Fine of Up to 14 Million Won
In Taiwan, parents who concealed their child's suspected enterovirus infection and forced the child to attend school are facing heavy administrative penalties. Health authorities plan to impose fines of up to 14 million won, holding the parents responsible for the outbreak that spread to schools and the local community.
Stock photo of hand, foot, and mouth disease caused by enterovirus infection (cases of vesicular rash on foot and inside the mouth). Seoul National University Hospital
Attending School Despite Suspected Infection Diagnosis
According to local media such as the Taiwan Central News Agency on January 18, a fifth-grade student, referred to as "A," at a private elementary school in Kaohsiung, southern Taiwan, visited a hospital on January 5 due to skin rashes and blisters. Two days later, medical staff suspected an enterovirus infection, but A's parents did not inform the school or health authorities.
The parents dismissed the symptoms as a simple allergic reaction and continued to send A to school. As a result, the infection began to spread within just a few days, mainly among students in the same class.
From Classroom to Nearby Schools... Infection Domino Effect
Three days later, classmates of A began exhibiting symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and rashes. A total of 11 students across four classes were confirmed to have enterovirus infections. The outbreak then spread to nearby schools, affecting middle school students and young children, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 14 as of now. A's younger sibling also developed similar symptoms, visited a hospital, and was confirmed to be infected.
Health Authorities Announce Fines of Up to 14 Million Won
Taiwanese health authorities consider the actions of A's parents to be a violation of the "Communicable Disease Control Act." According to this law, confirmed or suspected infectious disease patients must not evade or interfere with testing, investigation, or quarantine measures. Accordingly, authorities plan to impose fines ranging from 60,000 to 300,000 New Taiwan dollars (approximately 2.8 million to 14 million won) on A's parents.
Especially Fatal for Infants and Young Children... 9 Deaths Last Year
Enteroviruses are intestinal viruses transmitted through feces or respiratory secretions. Initial symptoms are mild, such as fever, runny nose, cough, and rash. However, in infants and young children, it can lead to severe complications such as hand, foot, and mouth disease, aseptic meningitis, neonatal sepsis, and acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis.
According to Taiwan's health authorities, there were 19 severe cases of enterovirus infection last year, with 9 resulting in death-the highest number in the past six years. Authorities have warned that an outbreak is possible again this year and are urging households with infants and children to follow personal hygiene practices, such as handwashing and changing clothes after going outside.
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