U.S. doctors alarmed by WHO report on deadly virus in babies
The World Health Organization has raised concerns about echovirus-11, a type of enterovirus that has caused severe illness and death among newborns in France, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Nine babies in France developed organ failure and sepsis, resulting in seven deaths. In Italy, two infants were infected, with one still in intensive care. In the UK, coxsackievirus led to severe heart inflammation in 10 babies, resulting in one death. While there has been a slight rise in enterovirus infections among children in the US, most cases have mild symptoms. Parents are advised to watch for symptoms such as trouble breathing, poor feeding, fussiness, and pale or blotchy skin in newborns and seek medical attention if concerned.