Coxsackievirus infections are one of the common forms of viral infections next to norovirus which many have not even heard of before. The infection was discovered back in 1940s and considered as a form of non-polio enterovirus.
Among those who have children, they might be aware of coxsackievirus infections and how one of its strains can cause hand, foot and mouth disease which is a prevalent viral infection during early childhood triggered by the coxsackievirus A16. Remember that there are certain strains of coxsackievirus that are capable of triggering infections in humans.
Various forms of coxsackievirus infections
Aside from hand, foot and mouth disease that causes ulcer formation in the mouth and blisters on the hands and feet of the child as one of the well-known coxsackievirus infections, the virus is also linked with the following:
- Neonatal infections are rare but can lead to hepatitis, bleeding issues, meningitis, myocarditis, meningoencephalitis and sepsis.
- Congenital infections – the infections during pregnancy can spread to the fetus.
Children can become sick for 3-6 days after being exposed to those with coxsackievirus infections. - Digestive disease – the coxsackievirus can cause non-bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis or gastroenteritis.
- Acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis
- Respiratory issues – usually with runny nose, mild cough and sore throat. Triggered by certain strains of the virus even during the summer season.
- Herpangina – occurs with oral ulcers but without blisters or rashes on the feet or hands.
- Meningitis
- Pleurodynia – involves sudden onset of chest pain triggered by the inflammation of the diaphragm and associated to coxsackievirus infections.
- Myopericarditis – there is damage and inflammation of the heart muscle and the sac that surrounds the heart.
- Petechial and purpuric rashes
- Myositis – inflammation of the muscles
The virus is also capable of triggering non-specific febrile illnesses and the roseola-like illness characterized by fever for 2-3 days then followed by a rash for 1-5 days. It is surprising to note that most individuals with coxsackievirus infections do not have any symptoms at all and there is no vaccination or treatment aside from supportive care and management of the symptoms. Even though this sounds alarming, most of the prevalent forms of coxsackievirus infections are not life-threatening.
How do I get infected and proper preventive measures?
Children can become sick for 3-6 days after being exposed to those with coxsackievirus infections. Similar with other viral infections, the coxsackievirus spread via fecal-oral route and respiratory transmission. One can also acquire the infection by handling a contaminated object.
Since children can shed the coxsackievirus in their respiratory secretions and stool for weeks after the symptoms have vanished or even without any symptoms, the risk for outbreaks is high and can be difficult to control or avoid.
Regardless, proper handwashing, avoidance of respiratory secretions and meticulous disinfecting of any contaminated surfaces is vital to help avoid getting sick as well as spreading the coxsackievirus infections to others.