Parechovirus
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Key facts
- Parechovirus is a virus that usually has mild or no symptoms.
- Sometimes, it can cause serious illness in babies and young children.
- Parechovirus spreads through contact with an infected person, through sneezing, coughing, saliva or faeces (poo).
- To diagnose parechovirus, your doctor may test your stool, blood, fluid that surrounds the spine and brain or mucus from your nose and throat.
- Good hygiene is the best protection against parechovirus infection.
What is parechovirus?
Parechovirus is a virus found in the respiratory and digestive systems. It is closely related to a group of viruses known as enteroviruses. Enteroviruses cause many common childhood infections.
There are different types of parechovirus. Infection usually leads to mild or no symptoms. Sometimes, especially in babies and young children, it may lead to serious illness.
The types of parechovirus that infect people are known as human parechovirus (HPeV).
What are the symptoms of parechovirus?
Most people with parechovirus don't have any symptoms. Some people may have mild symptoms such as:
Babies and young children may become unwell quickly. Some strains of the virus can lead to serious infections, including:
- blood infections (sepsis)
- neurological (brain) infections such as, meningitis or encephalitis
Severe symptoms are rare and most common in babies younger than 3 months old. Symptoms to look out for in babies and young children include:
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
What causes parechovirus?
You can get parechovirus through contact with an infected person. You can also get it through contact with objects and surfaces that have virus droplets on them.
Good hygiene is important to help prevent spread. The virus spreads through:
- sneezing
- coughing
- saliva
- faeces (poo)
When should I see my doctor?
If your child has the symptoms listed above, take them to your doctor immediately. Even if they were checked earlier.
Also see your doctor if you're worried about your or your child's symptoms.
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How is parechovirus diagnosed?
Parechovirus is usually diagnosed based on your signs and symptoms. To confirm the virus, your doctor may take samples to test your:
- stool (poo)
- urine
- cerebrospinal fluid (fluid that surrounds the brain and spine)
- blood
- fluid or mucus from the nose and throat
ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.
How is parechovirus treated?
There is no specific treatment for parechovirus. Drinking plenty of water and taking paracetamol may help reduce your symptoms. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice if you aren't sure.
Babies and young children with severe infection may need treatment in hospital. With treatment and support, most get better in a few days.
What are the complications of parechovirus?
Parechovirus can lead to severe complications, including blood and brain infections. Complications may include:
- sepsis (a severe blood infection)
- meningitis (a severe infection of the membranes around the brain)
- encephalitis (a severe infection of the brain)
- septic shock
- problems with your bowel
- seizures
Your doctor may suggest imaging tests to check for infections in your brain.
Neurological symptoms in babies may affect development in areas such as:
- reading
- language
- motor skills
Your doctor may suggest that you visit a paediatrician until your child reaches school age to monitor their development.
Can parechovirus be prevented?
There is no vaccine to stop you getting parechovirus. Good hygiene practices can reduce your risk of infection. To prevent its spread, you should:
- wash your hands with soap and water after using the toilet, before eating, after wiping noses and changing nappies
- cover your mouth and nose with your upper arm (not your hand) when coughing and sneezing
- not share cups, utensils or towels with people who are unwell
- keep surfaces and objects such as benchtops, toilets and toys clean
- throw used tissues into the bin straight away
Stay away from babies if you're sick with a cold, flu or gastroenteritis ('gastro') symptoms. If you care for a baby while you're unwell, wash your hands before touching or feeding them.
Resources and support
SA Health has information on:
- human parechovirus, including symptoms, treatment and prevention
- steps to reduce your risk of getting sick or passing infections on to others
- hand hygiene
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you're worried about your baby or young child, call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available from 7 am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week (including public holidays).
Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?
- Watch the No Germs On Me school kids campaign.
- You can also see the 'didya wash your hands' poster, from the Northern Territory Government.
Do you prefer to read in languages other than English?
- The NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service has information on hand hygiene in many community languages.
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: October 2024
