Enterovirus Infections in Children and Risks for Pregnant Women

Enterovirus testing

Dear Dr.
Lin: My daughter is infected with enterovirus today.
Could it be transmitted from her cousin who attends daycare? Will this affect pregnant women? Thank you.

A Yong, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/10/05

Dr. Lin Huizhen reply Pediatrics

Dr.
Lin Huizhen from the Tainan Hospital of the Department of Health, Executive Yuan, replies to Ah Yong: Most viral infections in children are transmitted by close contact with family members.
If your child is infected with a virus and has multiple sores in the mouth, it may affect their ability to eat and could be accompanied by a fever.
Generally, please ensure she gets plenty of rest, consumes some soothing foods, and stays hydrated.
While caring for her, be cautious of signs of dehydration, persistent high fever, or significant changes in her mental state.
Is she experiencing frequent shaking during sleep? If any of these symptoms occur, you should take her back to a pediatrician for a follow-up.
Most pregnant women have antibodies and are unlikely to exhibit symptoms or affect the fetus, but if a pregnant woman experiences discomfort or fever, she should still be examined by an obstetrician.
Tainan Hospital wishes you good health and all the best!

Reply Date: 2004/10/05

More Info

Enterovirus infections are common viral illnesses that primarily affect children, particularly during the warmer months. These viruses can lead to a range of symptoms, from mild respiratory issues to more severe conditions such as hand, foot, and mouth disease, viral meningitis, and myocarditis. Given your concern about your daughter contracting an enterovirus and the potential implications for your pregnant wife, it is essential to understand both the transmission dynamics of enteroviruses and the associated risks for pregnant women.

Transmission of Enteroviruses
Enteroviruses are highly contagious and can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person, respiratory droplets, or contaminated surfaces. In your case, it is plausible that your daughter contracted the virus from her cousin at daycare, as these environments are often hotspots for viral transmission due to close contact among children.

Risks for Pregnant Women
Regarding the impact on pregnant women, the risk of severe complications from enterovirus infections during pregnancy is generally low. Most adults, including pregnant women, may experience mild symptoms or may even be asymptomatic. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind:
1. Fetal Infection: While the risk of fetal infection from enteroviruses is low, it is not entirely absent. The majority of cases indicate that the fetus is not significantly affected by maternal enterovirus infections. However, there have been rare instances where severe complications, such as myocarditis or other systemic infections, have occurred in newborns.

2. Monitoring Symptoms: It is crucial for your wife to monitor for any symptoms of enterovirus infection, such as fever, sore throat, or gastrointestinal issues. If she develops any concerning symptoms, she should contact her healthcare provider for further evaluation.

3. Preventive Measures: To minimize the risk of transmission, practicing good hygiene is essential. This includes frequent handwashing, especially after caring for your daughter, avoiding close contact if your daughter is symptomatic, and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces.
4. Consulting Healthcare Providers: Given your wife's pregnancy, it is advisable for her to discuss any concerns with her obstetrician. They can provide tailored advice and may recommend additional monitoring or precautions based on her health status and any symptoms she may exhibit.

Conclusion
In summary, while enterovirus infections are common in children and can be transmitted in daycare settings, the risk to pregnant women and their fetuses is generally low. However, it is essential to remain vigilant about hygiene practices and monitor for any symptoms. If your wife shows any signs of illness, she should seek medical advice promptly. By taking these precautions, you can help ensure the health and safety of both your wife and your unborn child.

Similar Q&A

Can Pregnant Women Contract Enterovirus from Infected Children?

If the wife is about to give birth and there is a child at home infected with enterovirus, will she be at risk of contracting the virus and potentially transmitting it to the fetus?

Dr. Zhan Deqin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Most cases of enterovirus occur in children, but pregnant women, who have weaker immune systems, also need to be particularly cautious. It is advisable to maintain isolation as much as possible and to frequently wash hands with soap. Hands should be washed before eating anything ...

Concerns About Enterovirus Infection in Pregnant Women: Risks and Prevention

Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my child (who is two years and nine months old) being hospitalized due to an enterovirus infection. My wife is currently pregnant (with a due date of December 22) and she had close contact with our child for several days. I am very concerne...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, A-san: Your condition should be closely monitored for any related enterovirus symptoms in pregnant women, and preventive measures (such as frequent handwashing) should be taken. If necessary, please consult your obstetrician for an examination as soon as possible. Generall...

Impact of Enterovirus Infection on Fetal Development During Pregnancy

Hello, doctor: I am currently 6 weeks pregnant and I suspect that I have contracted enterovirus from my son. What impact could this have on the fetus?

Dr. Chen Changfu reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dear netizens: Hello! Pregnant mothers infected with enterovirus rarely experience severe conditions, and there are no reports of intrauterine infections affecting the fetus or causing fetal malformations, so there is no need for concern. However, pregnant women close to delivery...

Understanding Enterovirus: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention in Children

How should enterovirus be treated and prevented? What are the symptoms? How can we determine if a child has contracted enterovirus, as its symptoms are very similar to those of a cold? What is the incubation period for enterovirus? How can we prevent children from being infected?

Dr. Huang Zheming reply Pediatrics
The incubation period for enteroviruses is approximately 2 days to 2 weeks, with an average of 3 to 5 days. Enterovirus is a general term for a group of viruses. Symptoms include fever, cold-like symptoms, excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and oral inflammation, along wit...