What is Echovirus?
Enteric-Cytopathic-Human-Orphan virus.
It is called an orphan virus as it can cause any type of affection
It is an infectious virus that has a range of effects from acute febrile conditions to chronic inflammatory diseases.
The virus survives in the gastrointestinal tract
It belongs to the Picornaviridae family
Who is more prone to prone to get affected by Echovirus?
• Infants are most affected
• Children are more prone than adults
• Males are more susceptible then females
• Immuno-comprised individuals
• Mother to baby
• Summer season
What is the cause of Echovirus?
• Echovirus is divided into 28 serotypes, so disease depends upon the type of infection
• Intimate physical contact with an infected person
• Droplet infection like talking, sneezing, coughing etc.
• Using contaminated pools, bedding, utensils etc.
• Infected mother to baby in case of bad hygiene during labour
• Feco-oral transmission
What are the signs and symptoms of Echovirus?
Usually, a person remains asymptomatic though infected.
Symptoms depend upon system involved-
Respiratory symptoms:
• Cough
• Low-grade fever
• Croup
• Flu-like symptoms
• Headache
Gastric symptoms:
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
Viral meningitis:
• Stiff neck
• Severe headache
Cardiac symptom:
• Pericarditis
• Myocarditis
• Pain in the chest region
• Pain in shoulder
• Skin Rash
What investigations are suggested for Echovirus?
• Stool examination
• Complete blood count
• Tracheal culture
• Rectal culture
• Cerebrospinal fluid culture
What is the treatment for Echovirus?
No specific treatment is available, antibiotics are not helpful in viral infection, symptomatic relief can be achieved by,
• Antipyretic drug
• Analgesics
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• No vaccine is available till date
What is the prognosis of Echovirus?
Echovirus is usually self-resolving.
What is the complication of Echovirus?
• Broncho pneumonia
• Hepatitis
• Hepatic failure
• Encephalitis
• Myocarditis
• Convulsions
• Loss of communication skills
What is the differential diagnosis of Echovirus?
• Herpes simplex virus
• Respiratory syncytial viruses
• Rhinovirus
• Poliovirus
• Enterovirus
What management is helpful in Echovirus?
• Maintain good hygiene during labour
• Wash hands at regular interval
• Maintain hydration
• Take healthy and cooked food
• Avoid going to crowded places
• Dispose of tissues and diapers properly
• Disinfect the things used
What are the commonly indicated Homeopathic medicines for Echovirus?
• Phosphorus
• Sulphur
• Helleborus niger
• Belladonna
