An outbreak of enterovirus infection — Coxsackie virus — has been registered in the Kyiv region: 13 children have fallen ill, 12 of them have already completed inpatient treatment and recovered, and another child is still in the hospital under medical supervision. Specialists are conducting an epidemiological investigation and measures to localize the outbreak.
Doctors emphasize that Coxsackie is most often mild or asymptomatic, but sometimes it can disguise itself as a common ARVI - fever, sore throat, runny nose, diarrhea, headache; a rash and watery blisters in the mouth, on the palms and soles are also characteristic. In rare cases, serious complications are possible - meningitis, myocarditis and other disorders.
Doctors explain that the virus is transmitted by airborne droplets, through contact with infected surfaces and unwashed hands, as well as through contaminated food or water; the incubation period is usually 3–6 days. Therefore, the main preventive measures are thorough hand washing, airing the premises, disinfection of household surfaces, separate things for the patient and, if necessary, isolating the child from the team until recovery.
In most cases, treatment is symptomatic: antipyretics, rehydration, analgesics, and pediatrician observation; there is no specific antiviral therapy. Doctors urge parents not to self-medicate and to immediately consult a doctor if characteristic rashes appear or the condition worsens, especially if severe chest pain, shortness of breath, confusion, or a high fever that does not subside.
According to the Public Health Center, no new cases have been detected in the region so far, an epidemiological investigation is ongoing, and anti-epidemic measures are being strengthened in healthcare institutions. Parents are advised to pay close attention to the condition of children, especially preschoolers, and to follow hygiene rules in children's groups.
