Hundreds of newborn babies have been infected in what has been described as a “mini-epidemic” of a potentially dangerous virus similar to hand, foot and mouth disease.
About 300 babies have contracted Parechovirus – a respiratory and gastrointestinal infection that can cause a sepsis-like illness – since late last year.
There have been 83 confirmed cases in Victoria and 183 in NSW, with babies under the age of three months typically presenting to emergency departments with a red rash, irritability, fever and diarrhoea.
Some children may require treatment in intensive care and in severe cases the infection can cause hepatitis or encephalitis.