After experiencing the 2003 SARS debacle, Chinese health authorities have become more vary of highly contagious diseases.
Recent deaths of 28 Chinese children suspected to be infected with Enterovirus-71, has alarmed the country. The authorities have promptly issued orders, which require that any cases of suspected hand,
foot,
and mouth disease be reported to the department within 24 hours. Enterovirus-71 is the pathogen responsible for human version of hand, foot, and mouth disease. Normally, it is not fatal and manifests only as some rashes and blisters, which disappear after a while. At times, however, the disease surfaces as an epidemic, leading to many deaths. There is no vaccine to prevent the disease as of now. So far, 15,000 Chinese children are suspected to be infected with the disease. China needs to control the outbreak, as Beijing is to host the next Olympics.