TAIPEI: The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported on Tuesday that over 19,000 cases of enterovirus infections were recorded from October 27 to November 2, marking the highest number for this period in the past decade. During this week, 19,460 individuals sought medical attention at emergency departments and outpatient clinics due to enterovirus, indicating a 4.7 percent increase from the previous week, according to CDC spokesperson Tseng Shu-hui at a routine press conference. According to Focus Taiwan, the CDC highlighted the highly contagious nature of enterovirus, which spreads easily in environments with close contact, such as homes, kindergartens, daycare classes, and childcare centers. Enteroviruses include a group of small RNA viruses such as polioviruses, Coxsackie A, and Coxsackie B viruses. Tseng suggested that the intensified outbreak this autumn and winter might be attributed to reduced exposure to various virus strains during the COVID-19 pandemic, when social distancing measures were in place. The CDC spokesperson noted that 265 educational classes were suspended between October 27 and November 2, including 25 elementary school classes, 186 kindergarten classes, and 54 classes at other educational institutions, compared to 183 suspensions in the preceding week. Tseng warned that the epidemic is likely to reach its peak in late November, with high case numbers potentially continuing through December before decreasing. Typically, enterovirus outbreaks occur from late March to early April, peaking around late May to early June, after which cases usually decline. However, this year, the epidemic persisted through the summer and surged during the autumn and winter, which is considered unusual, Tseng explained. The CDC urged parents to adopt good hygiene practices, such as handwashing with soap and water and regular disinfection of home and learning environments, to curb the spread of the virus. The CDC also stressed that young children under five are at high risk for severe enterovirus, whi ch can manifest symptoms such as drowsiness, low energy, weakness or paralysis of limbs, muscle twitching, persistent vomiting, and shortness of breath. The CDC press release urged vigilance for early warning signs of severe enterovirus in children, advising that they be taken to the hospital promptly if symptoms appear.