China says it will step up surveillance of the intestinal virus EV71 after an outbreak in eastern China.

According to local health authorities, the deadly virus in Fuyang, Anhui Province has killed 20 children and sickened 1,500 others. All of the victims are under 6 years old, and the majority are under 2.

Local hospitals began admitting children with fevers, blisters, mouth ulcers and hand and foot rashes in early March.

Ren Jun is head of the provincial disease control and prevention center, said medical workers.

"We have taken extensive measures to investigate the causes and collect samples to identify its symptoms. It took some time to rule out other fatal diseases like bird flu and SARS."

The Health Ministry has sent two expert teams to Fuyang to help research the virus and its treatment.

As EV71 can cause hand, foot and mouth disease, the ministry has ordered daily outbreak reports from provinces across China.