Pediatric Parechovirus

Human parechoviruses (PeVs) are common childhood viruses that spread through respiratory droplets and contact with bodily fluids or fecal matter. The virus usually causes very mild symptoms, or none at all. However, sometimes parechoviruses can cause serious illness in babies and young children.

Parechovirus spreads through contact with an infected person’s respiratory droplets (through sneezing or coughing), and/or when touching surfaces — such as plates, utensils or toilet seats — that contain the virus, then later touching your nose or mouth. Both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals can transmit the virus, which can shed from the upper respiratory tract for one to three weeks and from the gastrointestinal tract for as long as six months after infection.

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. 

There is no specific treatment for parechovirus. Children experiencing mild symptoms should rest, drink plenty of fluids and take over-the-counter fever-reducing medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Young babies or children who have severe symptoms may need to be hospitalized. With proper care, most recover within a few days.

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.