France Reports Rise in Severe Neonatal Infections Caused by a New Enterovirus (Echovirus-11) Variant

Abstract

The surge in severe neonatal sepsis cases caused by a novel variant of Echovirus 11 (E-11) in France and several European countries has sparked concern. The affected infants, mostly premature and twins, displayed rapid clinical decline within days after birth, presenting symptoms akin to septic shock with hepatic impairment and multi-organ failure. Laboratory findings revealed profound coagulopathy, low platelet counts, and acute renal failure, indicating severe disease progression. Genetic analysis identified a distinct recombinant E-11 lineage, previously unseen in France before July 2022. Despite its novelty, the exact pathogenicity remains uncertain. Although the World Health Organization downplaying immediate public health risks, the absence of a robust global surveillance program hinders accurate prevalence assessment. To mitigate the impact of this novel E-11 variant, establishing robust surveillance, refining diagnostic capabilities, and exploring therapeutic interventions such as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and pocapavir are imperative for effective management and prevention strategies.

The pathogenicity and potential risk evaluation of Zika virus to cause mysterious “Disease X”: A brief report

“…Personal protective measures should be taken, including wearing clothing that is preferably light‐colored and can cover the whole body, using physical barriers in the doors and windows, and applying repellent to skin and clothing according to the instructions indicated on the product label. 1 , 2 Pregnant women and small children who sleep during the day or early evening should do so beneath mosquito nets. Aedes mosquitoes breed in tiny water bodies near residences, workplaces, and educational institutions.…”

“…A crucial preventive against ZIKV infection is protection against mosquito bites during the day and early evening, especially for expectant mothers, women of reproductive age, and small children. Personal protective measures should be taken, including wearing clothing that is preferably light‐colored and can cover the whole body, using physical barriers in the doors and windows, and applying repellent to skin and clothing according to the instructions indicated on the product label 1,2 . Pregnant women and small children who sleep during the day or early evening should do so beneath mosquito nets.…”

“…Disease X is the knowledge that a pathogen that is not yet recognized to cause human disease could be the source of a significant global epidemic. 2 , 3 , 4 According to public health experts, globalization the increasing connectivity of nations and their economies worldwide—is to blame for this elevated risk. The next pandemic is inevitable due to several factors, including our globalized society's increased reliance on factory farming, expanding urbanization, frequent travel, and climate change.…”

“…The World Health Organization (WHO) chose the name as a stand‐in for “priority diseases” on its shortlist in February 2018. Disease X is the knowledge that a pathogen that is not yet recognized to cause human disease could be the source of a significant global epidemic 2–4 . According to public health experts, globalization the increasing connectivity of nations and their economies worldwide—is to blame for this elevated risk.…”