ECHO Virus: Everything You Need To Know

ECHO viruses or human enteric cytopathic orphan viruses comprise a subtype of these microorganisms. It can also appear as an enterovirus infection that does not cause polio.

It is also included within the category of enteroviruses and they often cause infections along the intestinal tract along with skin rashes.

Symptoms of ECHO virus infection

Depending on which areas have been affected, we can point out the following symptoms:

• Skin rashes that usually appear as small spots in certain regions of the skin.

• Pharyngitis or inflammation of the pharynx that can cause discomfort in the throat area and fatigue in the patient.

• Croup. It is a term that encompasses shortness of breath along with a very harsh cough. It is usually due to inflammation in the regions near the vocal cords.

• Pneumonia or pneumonia (infection of the lungs). This disease is characterized by a high fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, general weakness, and a persistent cough, among other symptoms.

• Mouth ulcers that can be associated with the alteration of herpangina.

• Meningitis or inflammation of the meninges. There are normally three layers that surround and protect our Central Nervous System (CNS). When this disorder appears, the patient usually experiences a severe headache, high fever, nausea, and vomiting along with unusual neck stiffness.

• Other upper respiratory infections that can vary in symptoms.

• Myocarditis or inflammation of the muscle that makes up the heart. This disease can cause arrhythmia (or alteration of the normal heart rhythm), chest pain, shortness of breath, fever and intense fatigue, among other alterations.

• Pericarditis or inflammation of the pericardium. The pericardium is a sac or envelope that surrounds the heart and guarantees its daily protection. It can also cause a number of conditions in the subject. For example, chest pain, fever, occasional cough, shortness of breath when assuming certain positions, and general weakness.

Diagnosis of ECHO virus infection

No tests are performed to identify the presence of this organism in the patient. However, a series of tests can be carried out if necessary to identify this virus:

• Throat culture. As a general rule, a small sample is obtained by rubbing sterile cotton in this area and an analysis will be carried out in the laboratory.

• Stool culture. A small amount of stool is checked by study in a laboratory by assigned specialists.

• Cerebrospinal fluid culture. A lumbar puncture is usually done to remove a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid. This substance also protects our CNS from trauma. A careful study is then carried out to detect the presence of viruses in this medium.

• Rectal culture. An applicator is inserted into the rectum, gently twisted, and removed. Thus, the existence of harmful microorganisms in the body area can be verified.

Treatment of ECHO virus infection

At the moment, there are no specific medications or drugs against this type of virus. However, it is not necessary to apply any treatment since the aforementioned alterations tend to disappear by themselves.

This is due to the performance of our immune system. It produces specific antibodies against this virus and a short time later, all copies of the virus are destroyed. Only in the most severe cases is it necessary to use the immune system treatment called IVIG.

In no case should antibiotic drugs be used since they are effective against bacteria, not viruses. Thus, we can seriously aggravate the disease.

How can it be prevented?

Currently, no specific measure has been developed against this type of virus, such as a vaccine.

However, avoiding contact with other affected subjects and applying basic hygiene measures (especially hand washing) can help reduce the risk of infection.