Almost 55 newborn babies have been infected with a rare and potentially fatal virus. In severe cases, it can also cause hepatitis or encephalitis.
In last two months, two infants from Toowoomba were almost killed by the virus. They spent weeks in ICU fighting for life, with one even having her chest cut open and given painful spinal taps.
The virus has been recognised as Parechovirus which affects the child’s respiratory and gastrointestinal functions.
So far 55 newborns have been affected in Queensland including Brisbane and Goldcoast.
The symptoms usually are lethargy, diarrhoea, temperature and loss of appetite.
There is currently no specific treatment for the potentially fatal disease but doctors are trying to work on a vaccine.
172 cases were reported in Queensland in 2015 and 55 have been registered in the first two months of 2016.
WHAT IS PARECHOVIRUS?
It is a potentially fatal respiratory and gastrointestinal infection.
Can cause rashes, irritability, fever and diarrhoea - and in severe cases hepatitis or encephalitis.
Virus is spread from person to person by direct contact with nose and throat discharges.
There is currently no specific treatment but doctors are working on a vaccine.
Children under three are at most risk of developing severe disease.
