Increased detection of human parechovirus infection in infants in England during 2016: epidemiology and clinical characteristics

Background Human parechovirus (HPeV), like enteroviruses, usually causes mild self-limiting respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. In infants, HPeV can occasionally cause serious illnesses, including sepsis-like syndrome and encephalitis. In summer 2016, Public Health England (PHE) received increasing reports of severe HPeV infections nationally. We, therefore, reviewed all infants with confirmed HPeV across England during 2016. Methods HPeV cases in infants aged Results We identified 106 infants with confirmed HPeV infection during 2016. The disease peaked during early summer. Most infants (98/106, 92%) were aged Conclusions HPeV is an important cause of febrile illness in infants and can have severe clinical presentations. Early diagnosis may help reduce antimicrobial use, unnecessary investigations and prolonged hospitalisation. While prognosis remains favourable, some infants will develop long-term complications—paediatricians should ensure appropriate follow-up after discharge.