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Deadly China Virus Not Seen as Olympic Threat

But cases are expected to rise with warm weather

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted May 5, 2008 7:10 AM CDT
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(Newser) – The outbreak of a deadly virus in China hasn’t peaked yet—but it won’t affect the Beijing Games, a World Health Organization rep said. “I don't see it at all as a threat to the Olympics or any upcoming events,” he noted. Enterovirus 71 has killed 24 children and infected thousands, the Guardian reports. But the highest volume of cases is usually seen in June and July, WHO said.

The Chinese government is working to contain the virus, closing nurseries and spraying disinfectant; it is credited with cutting the fatality rate from 11% in March to .2%. Two more children died this weekend from the disease, but the WHO attributed it to separate outbreaks rather than the illness spreading.

Parents of a 2-year-old who has contracted the intestinal virus identified as enterovirus 71 listen as doctors consult each other at a Chinese hospital Sunday.
Parents of a 2-year-old who has contracted the intestinal virus identified as enterovirus 71 listen as doctors consult each other at a Chinese hospital Sunday.   (AP Photo)
A child stricken with enterovirus 71 rests at a hospital in Fuyang, central China's Anhui province, Sunday, May 4, 2008.
A child stricken with enterovirus 71 rests at a hospital in Fuyang, central China's Anhui province, Sunday, May 4, 2008.   (AP Photo)
A child stricken with enterovirus 71 rests at a hospital in Fuyang, central China's Anhui province, Sunday, May 4, 2008.
A child stricken with enterovirus 71 rests at a hospital in Fuyang, central China's Anhui province, Sunday, May 4, 2008.   (AP Photo)
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China: 6,300 infected
Associated Press

Demographics of the illness
World Health Organization

 
China • disease • 2008 Beijing Olympics • virus • World Health Organization • outbreak • Enterovirus 71

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