China's Health Ministry has warned that cases of hand-foot-mouth disease which has killed at least 22 children will possibly increase as the approaching summer is the peak season for the illness.

Eastern Anhui province has reported most of the deaths by the intestinal virus Enterovirus 71, and a suspected fatality was reported in the southern province of Guangdong on Saturday.

Liu Qian is Vice Minister for Health.

"We have to do more prevention work and to inform the people about the virus, so they can try to keep away from the virus. Medical staff should go out to do more and treat those who are possibly infected with the virus."

More than 3 thousand cases of the virus have been reported between early March and last week.

As the incidents continue increasing, the Health Ministry has urged health bureaus at all levels to recognise the importance and urgency of preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Local hospitals are asked to report the disease within 24 hours.

The ministry has issued the latest guide to prevent and control the disease. It will also provide more training on diagnosis and treatment to local pediatricians.

EV71 can cause hand, foot and mouth disease that usually starts with a slight fever followed by blisters and ulcers in the mouth and rashes on children's hands and feet.

It may also cause high fever, meningitis, encephalitis and paralysis, mostly in children under 10 years old.