Virus sweeping through east China

An outbreak of the EV71 virus has killed 19 children and infected more than 700 others in east China.

The virus, called enterovirus 71, is believed to be one trigger of what is known as hand-foot-mouth disease and is sweeping trough the Anhui province in the country, the Chinese state media has reported.

According to Xinhau, children have shown a fever, along with "blisters, ulcers in the mouth, or rashes on the hands and feet". The majority of the victims are aged under six, most of whom are below two years old.

Since the outbreak started in March, there have been a reported 789 cases of infections and 204 children remain in hospital with four in critical conditions.

Hygiene levels of drinking water in schools, kindergartens and villages around the area are being inspected by health officials to find possible sources of the virus, according to the report.

The Hong Kong centre for health protection has also confirmed a case of EV71 after a child was admitted to hospital on April 21st. It is the seventh case of the virus reported in the country this year.