Increase in incidents “Coxsackie” to children in the territory points out EODY and recommends preventive measures.

“According to laboratory surveillance data on samples from patients with acute severe respiratory infection, during the recent period of the last two months, and specifically since mid-September of this year, an increase in rhinovirus/enterovirus infections has been recorded throughout the territory. This increase also concerns infections caused by Coxsackie viruses,” says the EODY announcement and adds:

“Coxsackieviruses belong to the enterovirus genus and are classified into two groups, group A and group B. Coxsackievirus infections occur year-round, but usually peak during the summer and fall months.

Coxsackie virus infection is a common viral disease, usually of early childhood. It occurs mainly in children under 10 years of age. Most people by adulthood have been exposed to the virus and developed immunity.

In a significant percentage, infection with these viruses can be asymptomatic. Sta most common symptoms included fever, rash, upper respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms. There is no specific treatment and the infection is in most cases self-limiting. Less often these viruses can also cause manifestations from other systems, such as meningitis, encephalitis, acute flaccid paralysis, acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, myocarditis, pericarditis, hepatitis as well as myositis and pleurodynia. In newborns, the infection can appear with severe clinical manifestations and even a picture of sepsis.

These viruses transmitted from person to person through direct close contact with respiratory droplets (by coughing, sneezing, talking) and through the faecal-oral route. Transmission it can also occur from mother to newborn, intrauterinely, during the perinatal period, or through breastfeeding. Enteroviruses survive in the environment for a period of time that allows them to be transmitted through contaminated objects and surfaces as well as by consuming contaminated food and water. It is noted that enteroviruses in some cases may be excreted from the feces for several weeks or even months after infection, while they are excreted from the secretions of the respiratory system for a shorter period of time (1 to 3 weeks). Both the infection and the elimination of enteroviruses from the feces or from the respiratory system can occur without obvious clinical manifestations, which makes the systematic application of the rules of personal hygiene and cleanliness of the inanimate environment necessary to limit the spread of these viruses. .

The incubation time is 3-6 days. The symptoms usually last 7-10 days and the patient fully recovers.

Indicated measures to prevent the spread of the virus in the event of an outbreakis:

  • the removal of the patient from his school unit until the completion of 24 hours from the subsidence of the fever (without the use of antipyretics) and the remission of his other symptoms
  • the systematic application of personal hygiene rules by all members of the school community and the family (children and adults)
  • regular and thorough hand washing with soap and water, especially before eating and after each visit to the toilet. School staff should educate, encourage and supervise the systematic and correct practice of hand washing by children
  • covering the nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing. Using a tissue and then discarding it and washing hands
  • thorough hand washing by adults after changing infants’ and toddlers’ diapers, after touching or handling objects and surfaces contaminated with respiratory or fecal secretions, and before preparing food
  • washing contaminated clothes, bed linen and towels at high temperature
  • avoiding close contact and sharing personal items (food utensils, glasses, towels, etc.) for several weeks after infection
  • In addition, it is recommended that all areas are well ventilated, the diligent and at least daily cleaning and disinfection of surfaces, especially those that are touched frequently (e.g. knobs), objects (e.g. toys) and toilets (sinks, basins, diaper changing surfaces) with special attention to the correct disposal of diapers, hand towels, etc. and washing hands immediately afterwards. In addition to daily practice, care should also be taken for additional cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and objects when there is exposure to infectious secretions. It is emphasized that the elimination of the virus from the respiratory secretions and feces of children can be extended for several weeks after the infection and their symptoms subside. Therefore, the implementation of the above measures should be systematic to prevent the spread and occurrence of continuous cases.

In schools where one or more cases of infection have been observed, it is recommended that the parents of the remaining children be informed and they be made aware of the possible symptoms. In case of symptoms compatible with a viral infection, it is recommended that the child stay at home and treat him according to the guidance of the attending physician.

It is noted that the closure of the school unit, where the case or cases have occurred, is not indicated as a preventive measure.”