What to watch for with human parechovirus (HPeV) infections…

Posted onAuthorIan M Mackay, PhD (EIC)

With HPeV infections generally around during summer (see specific earlier story arising from cases in babies from New South Wales), it’s well worth mirroring the advice from NSW health on parechovirus signs and symptoms. 

The full sources of this information can be visited at the pages listed below.

A brief agglomeration of the information…

HPeV (closely related to enteroviruses) has been detected in a number of neonates, and young infants admitted to NSW hospitals during October and November 2013. Infants present very unwell with a rapid onset of acute sepsis-like (whole-body or systemic inflammation to a widespread infection) symptoms and can infect the central nervous system. This is often followed by an erythematous, often confluent rash. Children under 3 months of age are the group most likely to develop severe disease, but most recover with supportive treatment.

Suspect HPeV infections in neonates (newborn) or young infants can present with a fever (>38.0°C) and:

  • Irritability and appearing to be in pain 
  • Tachypnoea
  • Maculopapular or erythematous rash 
  • Encephalitis
  • Diarrhoea or loose stools 
  • Myoclonic jerks
  • Tachycardia 
  • Hepatitis

How is it diagnosed?

Stool samples, nose and throat swabs, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), or blood can be tested for HPeV at a specialist laboratory.

Initial Management and Treatment

Children presenting with a fever, sepsis-like signs &/or neurological signs, including irritability, should be assessed and treated for suspected sepsis using local protocols and discussed with an Emergency Consultant or Paediatrician.

There is no specific treatment for HPeV, treatment is supportive only.

How is HPeV disease prevented?

There is no vaccine to protect you from HPeV infection.
Good hygiene is the best protection: wash hands with soap and water after going to the toilet, before eating, after wiping noses, and after changing nappies or soiled clothing
Ensure the mouth and nose are covered when coughing and sneezing. Wipe the nose and mouth with tissues, dispose of used tissues and then wash your hands.

People who are unwell with colds, flu-like illnesses or gastro illness should stay away from small babies. 

If you are caring for a small baby and are unwell, wash your hands or use an alcohol-based hand rub before touching or feeding the baby.

Further reading…