Has a new virus spread among children? The Sanitary and Epidemiological Committee comments

In recent days, reports have been circulating on various social media platforms about the spread of a new virus among young children. To clarify the situation, QALAMPIR.UZ contacted the Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Wellbeing and Public Health.

According to the committee, what people are referring to as a "new virus" is actually chickenpox, a long-known illness that exists worldwide.

“Before the coronavirus, all types of viruses were generally referred to as just viruses. Now that specific names are being mentioned by specialists, it seems new to people. In fact, chickenpox is a virus that has always existed,” said the committee’s press secretary, Maftuna Saidova.

She also emphasized that chickenpox is not dangerous and does not usually lead to complications.

“If the situation were really dangerous, the committee would have issued an official statement and taken the necessary measures,” she added.

What is the Coxsackie virus?

The Coxsackie virus belongs to the group of enteroviruses and primarily affects the upper respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts.

The virus tends to spread more during the summer and autumn seasons, although in tropical regions, it can be found year-round. Coxsackie mainly affects children, but adults can also become infected in some cases.

Although it was described in 2017 as a “new virus” that spread in summer resorts, today it is commonly regarded as a seasonal illness or "summer cold."

The Coxsackie virus is divided into two groups: A and B. These groups affect different target cells and cause varying symptoms.

Group A viruses mainly affect epithelial tissues, causing inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes. They can lead to herpangina (mouth inflammation with a rash) and the so-called "hand-foot-and-mouth" syndrome.

Group B viruses target blood vessel-related tissues and can cause inflammation in internal organs such as the heart and pleura, sometimes leading to complications.

Symptoms of Coxsackie virus infection

Symptoms vary widely. Most cases are mild and resemble the flu, including:

- Fever of 38–38.5°C
- Rashes on the skin and inside the mouth (blister-like, not to be confused with chickenpox)
- Upper respiratory symptoms

However, in individuals with weakened immunity, more severe complications may develop, including inflammation of the brain (meningitis), liver, heart muscle (myocarditis), or the outer lining of the heart (pericarditis).

Severe symptoms requiring medical attention include:
- Prolonged high fever
- Persistent headache
- Pain in the eyes
- Repeated vomiting
- Muscle spasms
- Excessive drowsiness
- Apathy or irritability
- Loss of coordination
- Difficulty breathing
- Persistent chest pain

Treatment of Coxsackie virus

There is no specific antiviral treatment for Coxsackie virus. In most cases, the illness resolves on its own. However, symptomatic relief is important:

- Fever and pain can be managed with appropriate medications
- Antihistamines may be prescribed if itching occurs
- Oral antiseptics can help reduce discomfort and prevent secondary infection if there are mouth ulcers

Rest and adequate fluid intake are also strongly recommended to help the body recover and reduce the risk of complications.

If the illness becomes severe or complications arise, hospitalization and professional medical supervision may be necessary.