CDC issues warning: 23 babies are hospitalized for parechovirus infections

• CDC issues warning about parechovirus.
• About 23 babies have been hospitalized.
• The CDC sent an alert to doctors and hospitals.

THE NUMBER OF INFECTIONS GROWS. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that the number of parechovirus (PeV) infections seems to be rising, after 23 babies have been hospitalized for this virus. Although it’s usually not fatal, it can cause serious illnesses in children.

The alert for the spread of the virus was reported at the beginning of July and authorities continue to work together with doctors to treat PeV in children. For now, the CDC continues working on the control of this virus and on awareness and dissemination to prevent further spread.

NUMBER OF HOSPITALIZATIONS DUE TO PEV CONFIRMED

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have confirmed the hospitalization of 23 babies, after testing positive for parechovirus. In a recent press release, the CDC reported the new number of infections and indicated that they are advising doctors to treat the recent cases.

“From April 12 to May 24, 2022, 23 previously healthy infants ages 5 days to 3 months were admitted to a Tennessee children’s hospital for human parechovirus (PeV) meningoencephalitis.* PeV is a non-enveloped RNA virus of the family Picornaviridae,” stated the CDC report.

What are the symptoms of PeV?

In the report, they announced that the high number of infections were registered at the Tennessee children’s hospital. The symptoms that may occur range from mild gastroenteritis to sepsis-like illnesses. However, different people have different reactions to the virus.

“PeV infections range from mild, self-limited gastroenteritis to severe sepsis-like illness and central nervous system (CNS) infection, (1) and infants younger than 3 months are disproportionately affected. PeV genotype 3 is responsible for the most severe cases, with a biennial cycling circulation pattern that peaks during the summer months (two, 3),” they declared.

What tests were performed?

The CDC reported that various tests were performed on the 23 babies who were hospitalized when presenting symptoms of the virus at the Tennessee children’s hospital. According to the statement, the children underwent various evaluations to find out what type of sepsis they had, as well as a white blood cell count.

“At this pediatric hospital, a lumbar puncture is performed as part of the sepsis evaluation for all infants less than 1 month old and for older infants when clinically indicated. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing includes a multiplex molecular panel for all 3-month-old infants and for 3-month patients if the CSF white blood cell (WBC) count is 5 cells per high-power field.” Filed Under: Babies hospitalized for parechovirus

What symptoms did they present?

Likewise, the report provided information on the age of patients who were hospitalized and who presented symptoms related to the virus. In the document, they explain that the majority of patients presented signs and symptoms that included fever, irritability and a poor appetite at the time of going to the hospital.

“The median age of the patients was 24 days; 13 (57%) were women and 10 (43%) were men. Five patients were premature (28-36 weeks of gestation). Signs and symptoms included fever, irritability, and poor feeding. Most of the patients became symptomatic in the community (22, 96%)”. Filed Under: Babies hospitalized for parechovirus