Increased detection of enterovirus A71 infections, Germany, 2019

Euro Surveill. 2019 Sep;24(39):1900556. doi: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2019.24.39.1900556.

Abstract

We report on the increased circulation of enterovirus A71 in Germany in 2019. Strains were mainly identified in hospitalised patients with suspected aseptic meningitis/encephalitis. Molecular analysis showed co-circulation of EV-A71 sub-genogroups C1 and C4, a signal for physicians and public health authorities to include/intensify EV diagnostic in patients showing signs of aseptic meningitis, encephalitis or acute flaccid paralysis/myelitis.

Keywords: Enterovirus A71; Germany; enterovirus; surveillance; viral meningitis.

MeSH terms

  • Central Nervous System Viral Diseases / epidemiology
  • Central Nervous System Viral Diseases / virology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Enterovirus A, Human / classification
  • Enterovirus A, Human / isolation & purification*
  • Enterovirus Infections / epidemiology*
  • Enterovirus Infections / virology
  • Female
  • Germany / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Meningitis, Aseptic / epidemiology
  • Meningitis, Aseptic / virology
  • Meningitis, Viral / epidemiology*
  • Meningitis, Viral / virology
  • Myelitis / epidemiology
  • Myelitis / virology
  • Neuromuscular Diseases / epidemiology
  • Neuromuscular Diseases / virology
  • Population Surveillance

Supplementary concepts

  • acute flaccid myelitis