All news
Russians Complain About Outbreak of Contagious Virus Similar to Coxsackie Disease: How Dangerous Is It and What Are the Symptoms
Cases of the disease in children with such symptoms - body temperature below 39 degrees, red throat, diarrhea, rash on the palms and body - are reported through the Vystrel Telegram channel. According to them, infections have appeared in kindergartens and schools in the Moscow, Vladimir regions and Krasnodar Krai. The manifestations of the disease are very similar to the Coxsackie virus infection, which "lives" in southern resorts. Outbreaks occur in the summer. The media also often write about tourists infected with Coxsackie in Turkey.
The virus spreads easily in crowded places, preferring hotels and crowded beaches. At the end of October this year, a Russian vacationing in Belek, Turkey, complained of characteristic symptoms. Social media subscribers report similar cases at other resorts, including Antalya. According to parents of sick children, local doctors sometimes diagnose Coxsackie. But more often they write "infection of unknown origin" (meaning that the pathogen has not been identified).
Russian doctors also point out common phrases in the anamnesis, acute respiratory or intestinal infections. Worried mothers and fathers are sure. Children catch Coxsackie from adults and small groups of tourists returning from Turkey. Although this information has not yet been officially confirmed, Rospotrebnadzor has confirmed receiving a complaint. Doctors interviewed by Komsomolskaya Pravda also agree that the infection is very similar to the Coxsackie virus in its description of symptoms. Therefore, we have prepared answers to important questions that you need to know about this disease.
Coxsackie belongs to the enterovirus family. Therefore, it causes "dirty hands disease". The main route of transmission is oral-fecal. It is transmitted through contaminated food (mainly fruits and vegetables), water (usually by ingestion in swimming pools) or unwashed hands (after visiting toilets and other public places).
However, Coxsackie has important features that make the virus more contagious. Some types are also transmitted by airborne droplets. The same as flu, colds, corona. This makes infection much easier.
Coxsackie is usually common in the summer, in southern countries and at the beginning of autumn. Scientists note that the outbreak in November was previously rare. Virologists suggest that the Covid outbreak has extended the infection season. During the pandemic, the "behavior" of many viruses has changed. Immune disorders in people affected by the coronavirus may also play a role. This may lead to easier and more frequent spread of Coxsackie and the occurrence of more severe symptoms.
Coxsackie is called a childhood infection because most adults have no symptoms. After a child is infected, the first signs of the disease appear on average after 4-6 days.
- Severe chills. Despite the sky-high temperature, the legs and hands often remain cold.
- Rash Appearance: In addition to the rash appearing in the neck area, a pinpoint red rash may also appear on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet (doctors call this the "mouth-palm-soles" symptom).
Parents often ask on social networks how to distinguish Coxsackie rash from chickenpox. Of course, a doctor should make a diagnosis. However, for the sake of familiarity, I will explain. With chickenpox, the rash turns into blisters that burst and form ulcers. In the case of Coxsackie, the bubbles do not burst and dry out over time, leaving black spots.
Often, fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea resolve completely within 3 to 5 days. The effects of the rash last longer (this varies from person to person depending on age, skin condition, and overall health).
If diarrhea is severe, there is a risk of dehydration. Therefore, it is important to take steps to replace lost fluids (see below).
In young children weakened by chronic diseases, undergoing cancer treatment, etc., Coxsackie can cause complications up to inflammation of the meninges and heart damage. Therefore, such children should be under the supervision of doctors from the very beginning of the disease.
- Antihistamines for itching and other allergic reactions;
! Important: If your illness is accompanied by a high temperature, pain or diarrhea, you should consult a doctor. Only a doctor can prescribe antibiotics if a bacterial infection is confirmed to be added to a viral infection.
- If cases of infection are detected in hotels, epidemiologists advise children not to visit swimming pools and children's clubs on hotel premises.
- If possible, use a mask and respirator in crowded places.
who can go to the hospital
"Infection with the Coxsackie virus often does not require hospitalization - the disease is treated on an outpatient basis," infectious disease specialist, pediatrician, and candidate of medical sciences Evgeny Timakov told KP in an interview. - Hospitalization may be required in case of dehydration (with frequent diarrhea - Ed.) and complications that may arise in a weakened child.
In fact, most people get over the illness within a week, experts say. It is important to remember that symptoms similar to those of Coxsackie can also be caused by COVID-19 and the flu. So it is important to seek medical attention.
"Rospotrebnadzor experts have taken control of reports of mass complaints from Russian tourists about an unknown virus in Belek, Turkey," the agency's website says. Russia's sanitary and epidemiological services have requested information from Turkish authorities. Tourists are advised to seek immediate medical attention if they feel unwell, have a fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, rash, headache, or loose stools.