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Two concurrent epidemics of enteroviral meningitis in an obstetric neonatal unit
Insights
A neonatal unit experienced a viral outbreak involving 11 infants, caused by Echovirus 11 and Coxsackie B3. The epidemic ceased after the nursery closure, highlighting infection control importance.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- Neonatal units are vulnerable to nosocomial infections.
- Enteroviruses, including Echovirus 11 and Coxsackie B3, can cause outbreaks in healthcare settings.
Observation:
- An outbreak of viral infection affected 11 infants in a neonatal unit.
- Echovirus 11 and Coxsackie B3 were identified as causative agents.
- Staff infections and both perinatal and cross-transmission routes were noted.
Findings:
- Echovirus 11 caused illness in six infants; Coxsackie B3 in four.
- One infant experienced a biphasic illness with both viruses.
- The nursery closure effectively terminated the epidemic.
Implications:
- Effective infection control measures are crucial in neonatal units.
- Understanding transmission routes aids in outbreak management.
- Community viral activity can impact hospital-acquired infections.
Abstract:
A small epidemic of viral infection occurred in a neonatal unit. It involved 11 infants, all of whom recovered. Echovirus 11 was the cause of illness in six infants, coxsackie B3 in four, and one infant had a biphasic illness, due first to echo 11, then to coxsackie B3. The epidemic coincided with a major outbreak of echovirus 11 and a smaller outbreak of coxsackie B3 in the community. Several staff became ill. Five infants were considered to have been infected by perinatal materno-infant spread, others by cross-infection. The epidemic ended when the nursery was closed.