FUYANG CITY, China, May 2 (UPI) -- The virus that killed at least 21 children and infected nearly 3,000 other people is expected to spread in the months ahead, Chinese health officials said.

At least 2,946 cases of the intestinal virus Enterovirus 71 have been reported in Fuyang City of Anhui province as of Friday, Shanghai Daily reported. Reports indicate the virus has spread to other provinces and Hong Kong but the number of cases reported isn't as high as in Anhui province.

The hand, foot and mouth disease "will probably continue spreading in the next two or three months as it is a prime period for epidemics," said Chen Xianyi, a Ministry of Health official in charge of emergency response.

To help prevent the virus from spreading, kindergartens in Fuyang City started the May Day holiday two days early, the newspaper reported.

Enterovirus 71 is characterized by an initial fever then the appearance blisters and ulcers in the mouth and on the hands and feet, China Daily reported. It can lead to encephalitis, pulmonary edema, meningitis in children ages 2 to 5 and paralysis in children under 2. If not treated in time, Enterovirus 71 can be fatal.