Enterovirus 71 (EV71) – new vaccine development

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is the primary cause of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), leading to increasing severity and long-term neurological sequelae, including brainstem encephalitis, that can lead to fulminant neurogenic pulmonary edema associated with high mortality. The case fatality rate of severe HFMD was reported to be 13. Children under 5 years of age are particularly susceptible to severe or fatal EV71 infections. Outbreaks are unpredictable, occurring annually or semiannually depending on the country, and are influenced by warmer temperatures and elevated humidity (1). In several Asian countries, especially in Southeast Asia (e.g., Vietnam), HFMD circulates year-round, with two incidence peaks: April–June and September–October. These peaks coincide with both school vacations and terms. In Vietnam, 60–80% of cases occur in the tropical climate southern regions, 97% of cases are in children under 5 years old, and incidence is higher in males than females. The main preventive intervention for outbreak control...