A total of 178 enterovirus cases, including 17 EV 71 infections, were confirmed in Macao to date, the Department of Heath (SSM) of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) announced on Thursday.

The SSM said in a press statement that 12 new enterovirus cases, comprising hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) and herpangina (mouth blisters), were reported on Thursday.

By far, collective enterovirus infections were found in four local crche and two primary schools, while only the Tung Sin Tong II crche, where the first local HFMD case was recorded, is closed, according to the SSM.

EV71 is one of the most common types of enterovirus that can cause HFMD, which usually starts with a slight fever followed by blisters and ulcers in the mouth and rashes on the hands and feet, according to information posted on the website of China's Health Ministry. If the disease develops, it can lead to death.

Meanwhile, three cases of enterovirus cases previously confirmed as EV71 infections were excluded from the list after further diagnoses, and none of the local enterovirus cases were serious so far, according to the statement.

(Xinhua News Agency May 16, 2008)