This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7379326.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
China virus 'hits 3,000 children' Virus in China kills 22 children
(about 20 hours later)
Almost 3,000 children in eastern China have now been infected by the deadly Enterovirus 71 (EV71) intestinal virus, according to state-run media. Twenty-two young children in China have died after becoming infected by the Enterovirus 71 (EV71) intestinal virus, according to health officials.
A child died on Thursday, bringing the death toll to 21, and a total of 2,946 children had been infected by Friday morning, Xinhua news agency said. Almost 3,000 children in the east of the country have now been infected by the deadly virus, state-run media say.
The virus emerged in Fuyang city in Anhui province in early March. Officials said more than 300 new cases had been registered in 24 hours. In extreme cases, the virus can cause brain, heart and lung damage.
But it was only reported this week - leading to accusations of a cover-up by local authorities. The outbreak emerged in Fuyang city in March, but was only reported this week.
The delay has led to accusations of a cover-up by local authorities.
The Chinese health ministry has rejected charges that it has failed to handle the situation properly, arguing that there had been hard work, both locally and nationally, to confirm the cause of illness and to manage treatment.
Fever and ulcersFever and ulcers
The number of children infected with EV71 - which is highly contagious - has risen sharply since the outbreak was disclosed on Sunday.The number of children infected with EV71 - which is highly contagious - has risen sharply since the outbreak was disclosed on Sunday.
Most of the victims have been children under the age of six.Most of the victims have been children under the age of six.
Almost 900 children were currently receiving hospital treatment, nine of whom were in a critical condition, Xinhua said.Almost 900 children were currently receiving hospital treatment, nine of whom were in a critical condition, Xinhua said.
An official investigation into the cause of the outbreak has been launched, and a prevention and control team has been set up to contain infected areas in the province, local health officials said.An official investigation into the cause of the outbreak has been launched, and a prevention and control team has been set up to contain infected areas in the province, local health officials said.
Earlier, the World Health Organization said it was concerned about the number of deaths in the current outbreak, although EV71 has been reported in China before.Earlier, the World Health Organization said it was concerned about the number of deaths in the current outbreak, although EV71 has been reported in China before.
The question of reporting infectious diseases is especially sensitive in China, following widespread criticism of the handling of the Sars (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) epidemic in 2003.The question of reporting infectious diseases is especially sensitive in China, following widespread criticism of the handling of the Sars (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) epidemic in 2003.