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First epidemic of aseptic meningitis due to echovirus type 13 among Spanish children

G Trallero1, I Casas, A Avellón

  • 1C.N. de Microbiología, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.

Epidemiology and Infection
|May 6, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Echovirus type 13 (EV-13) caused the first recognized epidemic of aseptic meningitis (AM) in Spain in 2000. This novel enterovirus serotype primarily affected infants, leading to severe illness and high attack rates.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Epidemiology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Echoviruses are a leading cause of aseptic meningitis (AM).
  • Enterovirus serotype 13 (EV-13) had not been previously detected in Spain.
  • Aseptic meningitis outbreaks have significant public health implications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report the first recognized epidemic of aseptic meningitis caused by Echovirus type 13 in Spain.
  • To characterize the clinical and epidemiological features of EV-13 associated AM.
  • To document the emergence of a novel enterovirus serotype in a new geographic region.

Main Methods:

  • Viral isolation and identification from patient samples, primarily cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
  • Epidemiological investigation of outbreak cases.
  • Clinical data collection from affected patients.

Main Results:

  • Echovirus type 13 was isolated from 135 patients during outbreaks in Spain between February and October 2000.
  • The index case was identified in the Canary Islands.
  • All affected patients were under 13 years old, with the highest incidence in infants under 1 year.
  • Clinical presentation included fever, headache, and meningeal signs.
  • The virus caused severe illness with a high attack rate.

Conclusions:

  • Echovirus type 13 emerged as a significant cause of aseptic meningitis in Spain in 2000.
  • The virus demonstrated a propensity for causing severe disease, particularly in young children.
  • This event highlights the importance of ongoing surveillance for emerging viral pathogens.

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