(cctv.com)
Updated: 2008-05-07 11:44

A lethal outbreak of an intestinal virus in Fuyang City in Anhui Province in eastern China has killed 20 children and infected over 1,500 others.

Experts examine a sick child in Fuyang City, east China's Anhui Province, April 29, 2008. [Xinhua]

The provincial health department says emergency medical and quarantine measures are now in place to prevent the virus spreading further.

Children have been the major victims of the deadly virus known as enterovirus 71, or EV71. It had taken 20 young lives by Tuesday morning. About 600 of the sick have recovered so far.

Strict monitoring measures are now in place around the city. Children who are under 5 years old are required to be hospitalized if they get a fever.

The situation remains grim, as there is no vaccine or antiviral agent available to treat or prevent the virus.

Instead, treatment focuses on managing its complications, which can include meningitis and heart failure.

Experts say those infected are contagious even when they don't show any symptoms at the beginning.

Kindergarten classes in the city have been suspended for one week to disinfect all the facilities.

Hospitals in Fuyang in northwestern Anhui started to take in children with symptoms in early March. Some have since been diagnosed with brain, heart and lung damage.