Parechovirus is a virus closely related to enteroviruses. Enteroviruses cause illnesses such as diarrhoea, common colds, and hand, foot and mouth disease (not as common). Good hygiene is essential to help prevent spread of the infection.
While anyone can be infected with parechovirus, children, especially very young children are particularly at risk if they have contact with other children who are unwell with parechovirus.
Illness with parechovirus ranges from mild disease with diarrhoea or respiratory infection to potentially severe illness with fever, which may require treatment in hospital. Most children – even those hospitalised - recover after a few days with supportive treatment.
Spread of parechovirus
Parechovirus is spread from person to person by direct contact with nose and throat discharges (including saliva, sputum or nasal mucus), droplets (sneezing, coughing) or faeces (poo) of infected people.
Symptoms of parechovirus
Parechovirus can cause no symptoms at all, but newborn children or young infants with parechovirus may develop:
- a high temperature (fever)
- irritability, lethargy or off food
- a rash
- fast breathing
- diarrhoea or loose stools.
Occasionally, babies can become unwell very quickly. This may require management in hospital to monitor your child closely. Rarely, the virus can affect the lining of the brain, leading to more severe symptoms such as seizures or muscle jerks.
Diagnosis of parechovirus
Diagnosis may be made by your doctor based on symptoms. Tests are usually not required for mild illness, but your doctor or a hospital specialist may request specific tests for parechovirus for more severe disease.
Treatment for parechovirus
There is no specific treatment for parechovirus. Fever in children under six months of age needs review by a doctor. If diarrhoea is present, offer the child plenty of fluids.
If there are any worrying symptoms or you remain concerned about anything, consult your doctor immediately.
Prevention of parechovirus
There is no vaccine available against parechovirus.
Good personal hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of parechovirus to others, both for those infected and their carers. This includes:
- washing hands with soap and water after going to the toilet, before eating, after wiping noses, and after changing nappies or soiled clothing
- thoroughly washing and cleaning any soiled clothing and surfaces or toys that may have been contaminated
- using separate eating and drinking utensils.
People who are unwell with colds, flu-like illness or gastro illness should stay away from small babies. If you must care for a small baby and are unwell, wash your hands or use an alcohol-based hand rub before touching or feeding the baby.
Where to get help
- Your doctor
- Local council health department
- NURSE-ON-CALL Tel. 1300 60 60 24 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)
- Department of Health Victoria, Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Section Tel. 1300 65 11 60
