Buzz
Parechovirus, while not a novel virus, has recently drawn attention due to a CDC health advisory warning of a potential rise in cases among infants. This virus can lead to severe health complications in newborns. So, what level of concern should parents have?
Understanding Parechovirus
“Parechovirus infections are quite common during childhood,” states the American Association of Pediatrics in a recent article. Most children encounter the virus before starting kindergarten. Common symptoms in young kids include fever, skin rashes, and respiratory issues.
The virus can be transmitted through respiratory and gastrointestinal pathways. (In simpler terms, it spreads via coughs, sneezes, or when children put objects contaminated with fecal matter into their mouths.) It is most prevalent during the summer and fall seasons.
Typically, parechovirus is just one of many common viruses that children contract and recover from swiftly. However, in infants, certain viruses can lead to severe health complications, and parechovirus is among them. According to the CDC, “in babies under 3 months old, serious conditions such as sepsis-like illness, seizures, and meningitis or meningoencephalitis can occur, especially in those younger than 1 month.”
Why is parechovirus making headlines?
The CDC has identified multiple cases of parechovirus in recent months, all of which were the PeV-A3 strain, known for causing more severe symptoms compared to other variants. However, it remains unclear whether the virus is more widespread or if the cases are more severe than usual.
“Since there is no systematic monitoring of PeVs [parechoviruses] in the United States, it’s uncertain how the number of cases in 2022 compares to previous years,” states the CDC. Routine testing for parechovirus in children is also not conducted, making it difficult to determine how many mild or asymptomatic cases exist.
How can I tell if my child has parechovirus?
If your child exhibits only mild symptoms, it’s unlikely you’ll ever confirm whether it’s parechovirus. Keep in mind, it’s a common virus among children. As infectious disease expert Claire Bocchini explained to USA Today, “for children who are generally healthy with mild symptoms, we don’t test for every possible virus. It’s costly and doesn’t alter the treatment approach.” (Treatment here refers to managing the illness. If the goal is simply to keep the child comfortable while they recover, the specific virus doesn’t matter.)
The situation is different for infants. The CDC alert highlights that parechovirus is especially concerning for babies under 3 months old, as it can be life-threatening. However, the alert is directed at healthcare providers, not parents. Its purpose is to remind doctors to consider parechovirus as a potential cause when diagnosing severely ill infants.
“For infants in that age group, any fever warrants an evaluation, which should at least include blood tests for babies under 60 days old,” says Heather Giambo, a pediatric emergency doctor in New York City. She stressed that parents should seek medical care for a fever in such young children, regardless of the suspected cause. In the first few months of life, the American Association of Pediatrics considers a temperature of 100.4 as a fever requiring urgent medical attention.
