Understanding the Disease That Affected 700 Babies
On December 2019, an outbreak of an unknown disease came to light in Wuhan, China. Within months, it spread to over 200 countries, affecting millions of people worldwide. While many of us are aware of COVID-19, a different disease affected over 700 babies globally, leading to seizures, weakness, and other severe symptoms. The virus responsible for this disease is none other than the ‘Coxsackie Virus.’ Let’s delve into understanding this disease that affected 700 babies.
What is the Coxsackie Virus?
The Coxsackie virus is a type of ‘Enterovirus,’ which spreads from person to person through fecal-oral contact or contaminated surfaces. This virus is more prevalent in the summer and fall, but it can occur at any time of the year. Infants and young children are most susceptible to coxsackie infections because their undeveloped immune system cannot fight off the virus. Thus, they are most susceptible to severe infections.
Symptoms of Coxsackie Virus
The typical symptoms of coxsackie virus range from fever, sore throat, headache, rashes to muscle pain, and, if severe, hand-foot-and-mouth disease. Moreover, the virus can lead to viral meningitis, a severe inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, which is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. The infection can be mild or severe, depending on the immune system of an individual.
Diagnosing and Treatment
A physical examination is typically enough to diagnose a coxsackie virus infection, along with blood, stool, and urine tests. In most cases, the symptoms usually disappear within a week or two. There are no specific antiviral medications to treat coxsackie virus infections, but medications such as acetaminophen are used to relieve pain and reduce fever.
Preventive Measures
There is no vaccine or specific cure for coxsackie virus infections, unlike COVID-19. However, taking specific precautions can reduce the risk of infection. This includes frequent hand washing, proper sanitation when using a public washroom or changing diapers, and avoiding close contact with infected individuals.
Conclusion
Coxsackie virus is rare, but it can lead to severe infections if left unchecked, particularly in babies and young children. It’s essential to recognize the symptoms and seek medical attention if they experience such symptoms. Additionally, parents should take great care to keep their babies safe by adhering to preventive measures such as handwashing, proper sanitation, and avoiding close contact with infected individuals.
