The head of the virology department of Son Espases, Dr. Jordi Reina, says that if we see 20 cases per month, then this is normal. enterovirus infectionIn October there were already 70 of them. “These are outbreaks that we see every two to three years, and this is within the normal range,” says the specialist. Along with adenovirus and rhinovirus, this This is one of the most common “And with the return to school, the incidence usually increases,” he adds, referring to the fact that children are gathering in enclosed spaces.
But what exactly does this virus do? “There are over 100 different types and each has its own symptoms, from a cold caused by a respiratory infection, which makes up the majority of cases, to diarrhea or fever caused by a disease known as mouth-hand-foot disease, which causes more outbreaks in the population.
How The respiratory illness is not serious and is not under surveillance. public health epidemiological network, although most symptoms are mild, this type of virus is very easily transmitted as a result of its circulation. “It survives very well in any environment, it survives on the table, in water, it is terribly persistent, so it circulates all year round, it is transmitted a lot and is difficult to eliminate,” the virologist expert continues. .
How The most common form of infection is the oral and fecal route. It is important to follow basic hygiene measures to prevent the spread of infection. This expert stresses the importance of washing your hands frequently and avoiding coughing on them.
In case mouth-hand-foot Usually mild symptoms are observed, diarrhea is sometimes observed, and complications are less common,” describes Dr. Reina.
In any case, the most common enterovirus affects adults and children equally“often people call it the stomach flu” because when they swallow it, it reaches the intestines and causes diarrhea. “Less common and more dangerous strains can cause encephalitis and meningitis. This is the worst-case scenario, and here in Son Espaces we see about 10 such cases a year,” he adds.
In this case it is viral or aseptic meningitiswhich is a common clinical syndrome that can become severe due to various viral pathogens. These patients often have a sudden onset of fever with signs and symptoms of meningeal disease that usually last a maximum of 10 days. Of course, it usually occurs in young children, although it can also affect teenagers and adults.