A Fatal Neonatal Infection with Echovirus 30, Taiwan, 2013

On June 26, 2013, an 8-day-old neonate suspected of enterovirus infection with severe complications was reported to Taipei Regional Center, Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (TCDC). This was the first case of severe complications associated with Echovirus 30 (E30) infection over the past 10 years. E30 was diagnosed by the hospital and confirmed by the laboratory at TCDC. This case developed fever four days after birth. Neonatal sepsis was highly suspected and disseminated intravascular coagulation was noticed. In spite of intensive care, the case expired about one month after symptom onset. After investigation, we found that the case's mother and some relatives and friends who visited the case had fever and other uncomfortable symptoms before and after birth of the case. Because enterovirus infections can be transmitted to neonates through placenta, during delivery or by postpartum exposure, pregnant women should pay attention to health conditions of themselves and other family members as well 14 days before the child's birth and around the delivery. If any symptom or sign of infections occur in pregnant women, doctors should be informed and isolation or quarantine measures for neonates should be taken. Healthcare workers should monitor health conditions of neonates and enhance infection control measures in baby rooms to prevent from spreading of infections.