Parechovirus: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Parechovirus (PeV) is a virus that usually does not cause symptoms or mild illness. However, it can cause serious problems such as brain infections, especially in young children (Meningitis) Or seizures. In rare cases, it can be fatal, especially for babies under 3 months.

PeV belongs to the picornavirus family of viruses. It is closely related to enterovirus. Enteroviruses are a group of viruses that cause common pediatric infections such as the common cold and hand-foot-and-mouth disease.

What Causes Parechovirus Infection?

PeVs most often spread through body fluids such as:

• Respiratory droplets due to coughing or sneezing.
• saliva
• shit

You can also catch a virus-containing surface, such as a dish, cookware, or toilet seat, and later touch your nose or mouth.

The virus can be spread to others with or without symptoms. PeVs are most likely to spread in spring, summer and autumn.

Experts do not know exactly how long it will take for you to develop symptoms after contact with the virus. But it is believed to be between 3-10 days.

The duration of infection depends on the type of PeV you are using. If in the upper respiratory tract, the virus can be “flushed” or spread for 1-3 weeks. If the virus is in the intestines, it can take up to 6 months for the virus to spread to others.

What are the symptoms?

In most cases, PeV does not cause symptoms. Or it may be mild, such as mild diarrhea, fever, or respiratory symptoms such as the flu. However, certain strains can lead to serious illness and are most often found in young children.

More serious signs to watch out for, especially for infants:

• High fever
• Hypersensitivity
• Fast heart rate
• Fast breathing
• pain
• sleepiness
• fluffy
• Seizures
• Extensive rash

If your child has any of these, they need immediate treatment, even if the doctor sees them early in their illness.

Who is at risk?

Anyone can get infected with PeV. However, it is most likely to cause serious illness in children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years.

If your child is less than 3 months old, the virus will make them sick very quickly. It can even cause fatal problems such as:

• Seizures
• Sepsis.. It occurs when an infection causes the body’s immune system to go out of control, causing widespread inflammation. Your child needs to go to the hospital. Without timely treatment, sepsis can cause organ failure and even death.
• Meningitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord)
• encephalitis (Brain infection)

In rare cases, the virus can cause long-term brain development problems in very young children.

How is Parechovirus diagnosed?

Seek medical attention if you or your child may be infected with the virus.

To see if you have a PeV, they can test fluids and secretions such as:

• stool
• blood
• Cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord

To collect cerebrospinal fluid, your doctor will insert a long needle into your spine. This procedure is called lumbar puncture or spinal puncture.

How are Parechovirus infections treated and how long do they last?

There is no special treatment for PeV. For mild symptoms, rest, plenty of water, and over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen can help. (Do not give aspirin to children under the age of 12 unless your doctor permits it.)

Infants and children with severe symptoms need to be hospitalized. With timely support and proper care, most will recover within a few days.

If your child has PeV, be aware of them. If you feel drowsy, sloppy, or unable to wake up easily, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital as soon as possible.

Is there a parechovirus vaccine?

There is no vaccine to prevent PeV infection. Good hygiene is the best protection against it.

To prevent the spread of the virus:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Do this after using the toilet, before eating, before and after changing diapers and clothes, and before feeding your child.
• If you cannot use water and soap, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Whenever you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with your upper arm. Please do not use your hands.
• If you are ill, do not share food or utensils.
• Cleans and disinfects floors, toys, countertops and other surfaces used by children.
• If you have a cold, flu, or diarrhea, stay home.
• If you feel unwell, keep away from babies and toddlers. Please wear a mask.

It is not clear how long you have been infected since you got your PeV. However, if the child receives it, leave it at home for at least 48 hours after the symptoms disappear.