Our specialist explains: What is parechovirus?

Wesley Children’s Hospital, along with other medical centers nationwide, is seeing an increase in parechovirus (PeV) cases in infants. “This common childhood virus usually causes mild cold-like symptoms that don’t require treatment,” says Kyle Lemley, MD, medical director of the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at Wesley Children’s Hospital. “Parechovirus is closely related to enteroviruses like hand-foot-and-mouth disease. Some kids get a rash and fever in addition to congestion, sore throat, sneezing or coughing.” 

But the virus can cause severe illness in infants younger than six months whose immune systems are still developing. “Like any other virus, different strains circulate each year,” says Dr. Lemley. “This year’s strain is causing a small number of infants to experience potentially life-threatening seizures and viral meningitis.” He recommends taking your infant to their pediatrician or the nearest emergency department if they have a fever, are hard to wake, refuse to eat or have a seizure. 

Like the common cold, there isn’t a cure for parechovirus. “In the majority of children, the virus runs its course without complications,” says Dr. Lemley. Infants who are lethargic, not eating or having seizures need supportive care at a hospital PICU. In rare instances, seizures may not respond to treatments. If this happens, doctors can medically place a child into a coma for one to three days to lower the risk of brain damage. 

“For the most part, parents shouldn’t be any more concerned about parechovirus than other viruses,” says Dr. Lemley. To keep your family healthy, Dr. Lemley recommends continuing to practice good hygiene, including washing hands often and keeping a safe distance from others (especially infants) when you’re sick. 

Learn more about the PICU at Wesley Children’s Hospital.