Parechovirus

Parechovirus is a virus found in the respiratory and digestive systems. It is closely related to a group of viruses known as enteroviruses (Opens in new tab). Enteroviruses cause many common childhood infections.

There are different types of parechovirus. Infection usually leads to mild or no symptoms. Sometimes, especially in babies and young children, it may lead to serious illness.

The types of parechovirus that infect people are known as human parechovirus (HPeV).

Most people with parechovirus don't have any symptoms. Some people may have mild symptoms such as:

• diarrhoea
• fever
• cold or flu-like symptoms

Babies and young children may become unwell quickly. Some strains of the virus can lead to serious infections, including:

• blood infections (sepsis)
• neurological (brain) infections such as, meningitis or encephalitis

Severe symptoms are rare and most common in babies younger than 3 months old. Symptoms to look out for in babies and young children include:

• fever
• fast breathing
• diarrhoea
• swollen tummy area
• unusual jerking movements
• widespread rash

You can get parechovirus through contact with an infected person. You can also get it through contact with objects and surfaces that have virus droplets on them.

Good hygiene is important to help prevent spread. The virus spreads through:

• sneezing
• coughing
• saliva
• faeces (poo)

If your child has the symptoms listed above, take them to your doctor immediately. Even if they were checked earlier.

Also see your doctor if you're worried about your or your child's symptoms.

Parechovirus is usually diagnosed based on your signs and symptoms. To confirm the virus, your doctor may take samples to test your:

• stool (poo)
• urine
• cerebrospinal fluid (fluid that surrounds the brain and spine)
• blood
• fluid or mucus from the nose and throat

There is no specific treatment for parechovirus. Drinking plenty of water and taking paracetamol may help reduce your symptoms. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice if you aren't sure.

Babies and young children with severe infection may need treatment in hospital. With treatment and support, most get better in a few days.

Parechovirus can lead to severe complications, including blood and brain infections. Complications may include:

• sepsis (a severe blood infection)
• meningitis (a severe infection of the membranes around the brain)
• encephalitis (a severe infection of the brain)
• septic shock
• problems with your bowel
• seizures

Your doctor may suggest imaging tests to check for infections in your brain.

Neurological symptoms in babies may affect development in areas such as:

• reading
• language (Opens in new tab)
• motor skills (Opens in new tab)

Your doctor may suggest that you visit a paediatrician until your child reaches school age to monitor their development.

There is no vaccine to stop you getting parechovirus. Good hygiene practices can reduce your risk of infection. To prevent its spread, you should:

• wash your hands with soap and water after using the toilet, before eating, after wiping noses and changing nappies
• cover your mouth and nose with your upper arm (not your hand) when coughing and sneezing
• not share cups, utensils or towels with people who are unwell
• keep surfaces and objects such as benchtops, toilets and toys clean
• throw used tissues into the bin straight away

Stay away from babies if you're sick with a cold, flu or gastroenteritis ('gastro') symptoms. If you care for a baby while you're unwell, wash your hands before touching or feeding them.

SA Health has information on:

• human parechovirus (Opens in new tab), including symptoms, treatment and prevention
• steps to reduce your risk of getting sick or passing infections (Opens in new tab) on to others
• hand hygiene (Opens in new tab)

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you're worried about your baby or young child, call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call (Opens in new tab). Available from 7 am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week (including public holidays).

Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?

• Watch the No Germs On Me (Opens in new tab) school kids campaign.
• You can also see the 'didya wash your hands' poster (Opens in new tab), from the Northern Territory Government.

Do you prefer to read in languages other than English?

• The NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service (Opens in new tab) has information on hand hygiene in many community languages.