Eight more enterovirus cases were confirmed on Monday, bringing the total number of the epidemic to 344 so far, according to Macao's Health Bureau (SSM).

These enterovirus cases comprise hand, foot and mouth disease ( HFMD) and herpangina (mouth blisters), but none of the patients was in serious condition, the bureau said in a press statement, adding that the development of the epidemic has gone stable.

Among the newly detected cases, four were confirmed as EV71 (enterovirus 71) infections, the total number of which amounted to 47 as of Monday, according to the bureau.

EV71 is a viral infection usually found among young children. It is also one of the causative agents for HFMD.

To date, most of the city's enterovirus patients were children enrolled in local creches and primary schools.

(Xinhua News Agency June 10, 2008)