Pediatric Parechovirus

Many people with parechovirus don’t experience symptoms. In children 6 months to 5 years old, symptoms may include upper respiratory tract infection, fever and rash, and most children will have been infected by the virus by the time they start kindergarten. However, in infants less than 3 months, the virus can cause severe illness including sepsis-like illness, seizures and meningitis or meningoencephalitis, particularly in infants younger than one month.

Experts don’t know exactly how long it takes for symptoms to develop after coming into contact with the virus, but it’s thought to be between 3-10 days.

Serious signs to watch out for, especially in babies or toddlers, include:

• High fever
• Irritability
• Fast heart rate
• Fast breathing
• Diarrhea
• Drowsiness
• Seizures
• Widespread rash

If your child's healthcare provider suspects a parechovirus infection, they can diagnose it with lab tests such throat or nasal swabs, a blood test or stool sample. 

While there is no vaccine for parechovirus, good hygiene can help prevent the transmission:

• Wash hands with soap and water often. Do this after using the toilet, before eating, before and after changing your child’s diapers or clothes and before feeding your child.
• Sanitize your hands often.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
• Frequently clean and disinfect surfaces that your child may use and play with.
• Stay away from babies and young children if you’re unwell.
• Whenever possible, encourage your child to wash their hands often and avoid touching their face and mouth.

If your baby is experiencing any of the following symptoms, contact your pediatrician:

• High fever
• Irritability
• Fast heart rate
• Fast breathing
• Diarrhea
• Drowsiness
• Seizures
• Widespread rash

If your child is extremely drowsy and can’t be easily woken, has trouble breathing and is experiencing a rash go to the nearest emergency department.