A virus from China has caused an outbreak of meningitis. A new virus from China causes an outbreak of meningitis in Russia

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12.09.2017 | 22:58

The aggressive subtype of enterovirus ECHO30 was found in five regions beyond the Urals and in the central part of Russia. The “h” strain, which came from China, causes meningitis in people, an inflammation of the membranes of the brain, which is fraught with the most severe consequences.

A wave of morbidity is expected in Russia this fall. The virus is easily transmitted through the air and literally in one day causes serous meningitis in children and people with weak immune systems. According to experts, Russians do not have immunity to the virus, which is new to our area. After dozens of people contracted the dangerous infection, the chief sanitary doctor of the Russian Federation, Anna Popova, sent out a warning regarding ECHO30h to chief doctors in the regions. Attached to Popova’s letter are characteristics of the virus carried out by a number of Russian research institutes.

The virus multiplies in the stomach or intestines. It appeared 20 years ago, presumably in China. The consequence of this virus is meningitis in its serous form. It is noted that the viruses that cause polio and the notorious Coxsackie virus are relatives of the enterovirus ECHO30. It has ten varieties. The best studied of them are “a” and “e”, but the “h” variety is not very familiar to Russian doctors. According to Rospotrebnadzor, this virus enters the Russian Federation mainly with residents of the PRC and adjacent countries. Currently, the virus has been found in 42 regions of Russia. In the fall of 2017, in connection with the start of the school year, a new wave of the spread of this disease should be expected.

Doctors say that meningitis, which is caused by the ECHO30 virus, is no different in clinical picture from meningitis caused by other causes, but is more severe and longer lasting. At the same time, a minimal incubation period is observed - only one day. Typically, this period for inflammation of the meninges is a week or more.

Earlier, the media noted an outbreak of meningitis in Tyumen. Thus, according to the publication “Ural: Facts and Comments”, the city infectious diseases hospital was overcrowded, and the parents of sick children accused the local authorities of hiding the actual epidemic from the population and not taking any protective measures.

Today it became known that in one of the schools in Chelyabinsk the junior class was closed for quarantine due to meningitis after one child fell ill with it. The educational process is suspended until September 21. According to Rospotrebnadzor, in Chelyabinsk 5% of schoolchildren have already fallen ill with enterovirus infection, and several cases of meningitis have been noted.

In order to prevent viral infections that cause meningitis, it is strictly recommended to drink only boiled water, scrupulously observe hygiene rules and not eat in unfamiliar places. Use only products purchased in trusted stores, in original packaging, wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and consume meat and fish only after complete heat treatment. Parents should not send their child to school or kindergarten if someone in the class or group is already sick and quarantine has not yet been announced. Travel to potentially dangerous areas and regions should be postponed. Because some types of meningitis are carried by animals and arthropods, it's a good idea to stay away from them and use repellents. You should also refrain from swimming in open water. At the first signs, consult a doctor immediately.

Serous meningitis begins acutely - with a rise in temperature to 39–40 degrees. Severe headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting appear. There may be pain in the abdomen, back, cramps, rash all over the body or in specific areas. Patients are very bothered by loud sounds and bright lights. The temperature does not fall when taking conventional antipyretic drugs. The patient may lose feeling in the back of his head and back, and some muscles become numb. In infants, the large fontanelle is noticeably bulging and is very tense. It is more comfortable for a person suffering from meningitis to lie on his side, with his legs tucked close to his stomach and his head thrown back.

The aggressive subtype of enterovirus ECHO30 has already been found in five regions beyond the Urals and in the central part of Russia, reports
In the fall of 2017, a wave of cases of the dangerous ECHO30 virus is expected in Russia. Or more precisely, its subtype “h”. According to Rospotrebnadzor, the virus came from China and its neighboring regions. It is easily transmitted through the air and causes serous meningitis in just a day. At the same time, as experts say, most Russians have not yet developed immunity to it. About 30 people in six regions of Russia contracted the dangerous infection back in the summer. Therefore, the chief sanitary doctor of the Russian Federation, Anna Popova, sent a warning to the chief doctors in the regions.

Echo of the virus

ECHO30 is an enterovirus, meaning it multiplies in the stomach or intestines. It mainly affects children and people with weak immune systems.
ECHO30 appeared 20 years ago, the exact location is unknown. During this time, it has become the leading cause of serous meningitis throughout the world, from the United States to China. Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, an extremely serious disease. Its serous form is dangerous because at first it goes unnoticed. Before the advent of specific treatment, patients usually died.
Poliomyelitis and the sensational Coxsackie are his relatives. At first, ECHO30 was even confused with Coxsackie, when symptoms of enterovirus infection were found in children in the Chelyabinsk region this summer.
ECHO30 has almost ten varieties, or scientifically called genotypes. Since the beginning of the 2000s, two well-known genotypes have lived in Russia - “a” and “e”.

Chinese ancestry

But in 2013, a more aggressive “h” appeared in Russia. This type was first found in China in 2010, and three years later it ended up in the Russian Federation. As Rospotrebnadzor writes, it is brought to us not so much by the Chinese themselves, but by residents of states adjacent to China.
The main part of Popova’s official letter is dedicated to him. In the first wave, people from 42 regions of the country were infected with it. And in the fall of 2017, it follows from the document, we should expect a second wave.
Both in the first wave and in the second, it was mainly the regions of the Far East and the Urals that suffered.

Dangerous letter "h"

The Chinese variant of ECHO30 is relatively new to Russia, so a large number of Russians have not yet developed immunity specifically to this strain. This follows from Rospotrebnadzor documents. It is the lack of immunity that explains outbreaks in regions where the virus had not spread before: in Tyumen and Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug.
The ECHO30 itself is somewhat different from its peers in the group.
“Compared to meningitis caused by other viruses, ECHO30 infection does not differ in clinical manifestations, but is more severe and longer,” the scientists write in their certificate prepared at the request of Rospotrebnadzor. - The minimum incubation period is traced - one day.
The last phrase means that about a day passes from infection to the appearance of the first symptoms of the disease. Whereas in “ordinary” cases, serous meningitis manifests itself no earlier than a week or two after entering the body.

Symptoms and prevention

Back in 2013, the Moscow Rospotrebnadzor issued detailed instructions on the prevention of meningitis. Sanitary doctors advise drinking only boiled water, carefully observing hygiene rules and not eating in unfamiliar places. Use only products purchased in trusted stores in original packaging.
Since enteroviruses especially often attack children, parents are advised not to send their child to school or kindergarten if someone in the class or group is sick.
This disease can be asymptomatic, but in most cases the symptoms are similar to a common respiratory infection.
The disease begins acutely - with a rise in temperature to 39–40 degrees, writes Rospotrebnadzor. Severe headache, dizziness, vomiting, sometimes abdominal pain, back pain, and convulsions appear.
The danger lies in the fact that the symptoms are disguised as the flu or a severe cold. Especially when it comes to children.
- It is important to seek medical help in time when the first symptoms appear [in children]. Parents themselves, even with medical education, cannot always distinguish the symptoms of meningitis from a common acute respiratory infection,” Georgy Vikulov, director of the Scientific Information Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Infections, told Life. “And even experienced doctors cannot always make a diagnosis right away. Therefore, reinsurance is required. That is, to understand what we are dealing with, we need appropriate diagnostic tests.
He noted that one of the dangerous signs of meningitis is a high temperature, which is not brought down by standard medications.
Despite the general difficulty of diagnosis, the medical literature describes several symptoms characteristic of meningitis. Thus, the Russian doctor Vladimir Kernig determined that with meningitis, a patient in a lying position is not able to straighten the leg at the knee if it is simultaneously bent at the hip joint. This symptom is named after him and is considered one of the most common and persistent symptoms of meningitis.
Official statistics from Rospotrebnadzor do not add to the calm. From January to July 2017 in Russia, the incidence of enteroviral meningitis increased by 28.4% compared to the same period in 2016. That's 937 cases this year versus 728 last year.

This fall, a wave of incidence of the dangerous ECHO30 virus is predicted in the Russian Federation. Or more precisely, its subtype “h”. According to Rospotrebnadzor, the virus came from China and its neighboring regions. It is easily transmitted through the air and causes serous meningitis in almost 1 day. Moreover, as experts note, the majority of Russian citizens have not yet developed immunity to it. About 30 people in 6 regions of the Russian Federation caught the dangerous infection back in the summer. Accordingly, the chief sanitary doctor of the Russian Federation, Anna Popova, sent a warning about the danger to chief doctors in Russian regions.

ECHO30 is an enterovirus, which means it replicates in the stomach or intestines. To a greater extent, it affects children and people with weak immune systems.

ECHO30 appeared 20 years ago, the exact location has not been determined. During this period, it became the leading cause of serous meningitis throughout the world, from the United States to China. Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining of the brain, a very serious disease. Its serous form is dangerous because in the early stages it is asymptomatic. Before the necessary treatment became available, patients usually died.

Poliomyelitis and the well-known Coxsackie are his relatives. At first, ECHO30 was even confused with Coxsackie, when symptoms of enterovirus infection were discovered in children in the Chelyabinsk region this summer.

ECHO30 has almost 10 varieties, or, scientifically, genotypes. Since the beginning of the 2000s, 2 well-known genotypes have lived in the Russian Federation - “a” and “e”.

However, in 2013, a more aggressive “h” appeared in the Russian Federation. This type was first discovered in China in 2010, and after 3 years it ended up in the Russian Federation. As Rospotrebnadzor notes, it is brought to us not so much by the Chinese themselves, but by residents of states adjacent to China.

The main part of the official letter of the Chief Sanitary Doctor of the Russian Federation, Anna Popova, is dedicated to him. In the first wave, people from 42 Russian regions were infected with it. And in the fall of 2017, the document says, we should expect a second wave.

The Nizhny Novgorod research institute, which compiled the report, also reported this. Moreover, children may be the first to suffer.

In September, there may be an increase in the incidence rate due to the fact that children gather in groups: kindergartens, schools, said the deputy head of the Nizhny Novgorod Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology. N.I. Blokhina Galina Grigorieva.

Both in the first wave and in the second, the regions of the Far East and the Urals were mostly affected.

In addition to Yekaterinburg, the “h” genovariant was found in material from patients from the Chelyabinsk and Kurgan regions in 2013–2016, the documents say.

At least 1 case in 2016 was fatal. However, doctors currently do not write unequivocally that the death was caused by this particular virus.

In the first wave, some regions were not affected by the “h” subtype. Despite this, he appeared there the second time. In 2017, 38 people were already infected with this type of virus in 6 regions of the Russian Federation.

The peak of virus activity this year is higher in the Tyumen region and in the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug, said the Research Institute named after. N.I. Blokhina. - This is the dominant type, which in recent years has suppressed all other enteroviruses. Now we can talk about new local peaks of incidence.

This document contains mention of several patients from the Rostov region. In total, as written in the document, the outbreak of the disease occurred in April-July. Children were mostly infected. For example, an outbreak occurred in June in a kindergarten in Yekaterinburg, and in July in the Olympian children's camp in the Chelyabinsk region.

The Chinese variant of ECHO30 is relatively new to the Russian Federation, therefore a large number of Russians have not yet developed immunity specifically to this strain. This is stated in the document of Rospotrebnadzor. It is the lack of immunity that explains outbreaks in those regions where the virus had not previously spread: in Tyumen and Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug.

The ECHO30 itself is a little different from its brothers in the group.

Compared to meningitis caused by other viruses, ECHO30 infection does not differ in clinical symptoms, but is more severe and longer-lasting, scientists note in their certificate prepared at the request of Rospotrebnadzor. - The minimum incubation period is traced - 1 day.

The last phrase means that about a day passes from the moment of infection to the appearance of the first symptoms of the disease. Whereas in “ordinary” cases, serous meningitis manifests itself no earlier than 1-2 weeks after it enters the body.

Back in 2013, the Moscow Rospotrebnadzor wrote detailed instructions on the prevention of meningitis. Sanitary doctors recommend drinking only boiled water, carefully observing hygiene rules and not eating in unfamiliar places. You can only eat products purchased in trusted stores in original packaging.

Since enteroviruses especially often attack children, parents are advised not to send their child to school or kindergarten if someone in the class or group is sick.

This disease can be asymptomatic, but in most cases the symptoms are similar to a common respiratory infection.

The disease begins acutely - with a rise in high temperature (39–40 degrees), reports Rospotrebnadzor. There is a severe headache, dizziness, vomiting, pain in the abdomen, back, and convulsions.

The fact that the symptoms of this disease are similar to the flu or a severe cold lies in its danger. Especially when it comes to children.

It is important to seek medical help promptly when the first symptoms appear [in children]. Parents themselves, even with medical education, cannot always distinguish the symptoms of meningitis from a common acute respiratory infection, said Georgiy Vikulov, director of the Scientific Information Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Infections. “And even experienced doctors cannot always make a diagnosis right away. Therefore, reinsurance is required. That is, to understand what we are dealing with, we need appropriate diagnostic tests.

He also clarified that one of the serious signs of meningitis is a high temperature, which is not brought down by standard medications.

Although the diagnosis of this disease is difficult, the medical literature describes several symptoms characteristic of meningitis. Thus, the Russian doctor Vladimir Kernig determined that with meningitis, a patient in a supine position cannot straighten his leg at the knee if it is simultaneously bent at the hip joint. This symptom is named after him and is considered one of the most common and persistent symptoms of meningitis.

Official statistics from Rospotrebnadzor are not encouraging. From January to July 2017, the incidence of enteroviral meningitis in the Russian Federation increased by 28.4% compared to the same period in 2016. This is 937 cases this year versus 728 in 2016.

12-Sep-2017, 11:53

The aggressive subtype of enterovirus ECHO30 has already been found in five regions beyond the Urals and in the central part of Russia, reports L!FE.

In the fall of 2017, a wave of cases of the dangerous ECHO30 virus is expected in Russia. Or more precisely, its subtype "h". According to Rospotrebnadzor, the virus came from China and its neighboring regions. It is easily transmitted through the air and causes serous meningitis in just a day. At the same time, as experts say, most Russians have not yet developed immunity to it. About 30 people in six regions of Russia contracted the dangerous infection back in the summer. Therefore, the chief sanitary doctor of the Russian Federation, Anna Popova, sent out a warning about the danger to the chief doctors in the regions.

Echo of the virus

ECHO30 is an enterovirus, meaning it multiplies in the stomach or intestines. It mainly affects children and people with weak immune systems.

ECHO30 appeared 20 years ago, the exact location is unknown. During this time, it has become the leading cause of serous meningitis throughout the world, from the United States to China. Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, an extremely serious disease. Its serous form is dangerous because at first it goes unnoticed. Before the advent of specific treatment, patients usually died.

Poliomyelitis and the sensational Coxsackie are his relatives. At first, ECHO30 was even confused with Coxsackie, when symptoms of enterovirus infection were found in children in the Chelyabinsk region this summer.

ECHO30 has almost ten varieties, or scientifically, genotypes. Since the beginning of the 2000s, two well-known genotypes have lived in Russia - “a” and “e”.

Chinese ancestry

But in 2013, a more aggressive “h” appeared in Russia. This type was first found in China in 2010, and three years later it ended up in Russia. As Rospotrebnadzor writes, it is brought to us not so much by the Chinese themselves, but by residents of states adjacent to China.

The main part of Popova’s official letter is dedicated to him. In the first wave, people from 42 regions of the country were infected with it. And in the fall of 2017, it follows from the document, we should expect a second wave.

The Nizhny Novgorod research institute, which compiled the report, told Life about the same thing. Moreover, children may be the first to suffer.

In September, there may be an increase in the incidence rate due to the fact that children gather in groups: kindergartens, schools,” the deputy head of the Nizhny Novgorod Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology named after. N.I. Blokhina Galina Grigorieva.

Symptoms and prevention

Since enteroviruses especially often attack children, parents are advised not to send their child to school or kindergarten if someone in the class or group is sick.

This disease can be asymptomatic, but in most cases the symptoms are similar to a common respiratory infection.

The disease begins acutely - with a rise in temperature to 39–40 degrees, writes Rospotrebnadzor. Severe headache, dizziness, vomiting, sometimes abdominal pain, back pain, and convulsions appear.

The danger lies in the fact that the symptoms are disguised as the flu or a severe cold. Especially when it comes to children.

It is important to seek medical help promptly when the first symptoms appear [in children]. Parents themselves, even with medical education, cannot always distinguish the symptoms of meningitis from a common acute respiratory infection,” Georgy Vikulov, director of the Scientific Information Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Infections, told Life. “And even experienced doctors cannot always make a diagnosis right away. Therefore, reinsurance is required. That is, to understand what we are dealing with, we need appropriate diagnostic tests.

He noted that one of the dangerous signs of meningitis is a high temperature, which is not brought down by standard medications.

Despite the general difficulty of diagnosis, the medical literature describes several symptoms characteristic of meningitis. Thus, the Russian doctor Vladimir Kernig determined that with meningitis, a patient in a lying position is not able to straighten the leg at the knee if it is simultaneously bent at the hip joint. This symptom is named after him and is considered one of the most common and persistent symptoms of meningitis.

Official statistics from Rospotrebnadzor do not add to the calm. From January to July 2017 in Russia, the incidence of enteroviral meningitis increased by 28.4% compared to the same period in 2016. That's 937 cases this year versus 728 last year.

A virus that is transmitted by airborne droplets came to Russia from China. It is known to specialists as ECHO30. In one day, the disease can provoke meningitis, and Russians have not yet developed immunity to the virus. What is the danger of the virus, how Rospotrebnadzor prepared for its appearance and what to do for prevention - in the “360” material.

Guest from China

Enterovirus EHO30 is spreading in Central Russia and beyond the Urals. It came to the country from China and its neighbors. 38 people have already become infected. Cases of infection occurred in five regions of Russia. Most of the cases are in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug and the Tyumen region. Almost the same number is in the Kurgan, Chelyabinsk and Sverdlovsk regions. A wave of cases is expected in Russia this fall - the virus is new to the country, and citizens do not yet have immunity to it.

Polioviruses and the notorious Coxsackie virus are related to ECHO30. At first, the virus was even confused with Coxsackie. This happened after symptoms of enterovirus infection were found in children in the Chelyabinsk region this summer. As noted in the press service of the regional Rospotrebnadzor, specialists introduced quarantine in 35 kindergartens due to children aged 3-6 years suffering from meningitis.

Enteroviruses multiply in the intestines and stomach. The virus is primarily contracted by people with weak immune systems, children and the elderly. ECHO30 has almost 10 genotypes - that is, varieties. Since the beginning of the 2000s, two well-known genotypes have lived in Russia - “a” and “e”. The main signs of infection are fever, nausea, headache and dizziness. In the worst case, the patient may develop serous meningitis - that is, invisible in the first stage of the disease.

Under the control of Rospotrebnadzor

Back in the spring, Rospotrebnadzor employees prepared a forecast for the circulation of enteroviral diseases in the summer-autumn season and paid special attention to sanitary and quarantine control at checkpoints across the state border. Department press secretary Anna Brycheva reported this to 360.

According to her, Rospotrebnadzor is ready to respond to infectious threats throughout the country. Laboratories have all the necessary diagnostic drugs to conduct research. Doctors are trained to operate equipment and treat patients.

I would also like to note that at the moment, both in Russia and in the Moscow region, the situation regarding various diseases and, in general, the epidemiological situation is stable. Traditionally, in the autumn period there is an increase in enterovirus infection due to the fact that enteroviruses are very widespread, but the population should not have any fears or reasons for concern and the situation remains under constant monitoring by Rospotrebnadzor. I repeat, we sent information about the new strain of enterovirus infection to our territorial departments at the beginning of summer in order to prepare specialists to work with this type of virus in order to orient the treatment network. At the moment, everything is completely ready to meet the seasonal rise in enterovirus incidence
Anna Brycheva.

Enterovirus infections are common in many places. However, the emergence of new strains occurs most often in Southeast Asia, including China.

Rospotrebnadzor also organized control over disinfection treatments, quality and safety of drinking water. If necessary, employees can suspend the operation of swimming pools and children's rooms. Preventive work is being carried out with the population.

Virus prevention

According to experts, enteroviruses are resistant to low temperatures. They are preserved in water. The source of infection is only humans. He may be sick or healthy. Young children can pick up the infection if they get a small dose through water, food, dirty toys or hands.

For prevention, it is recommended to follow the rules of personal hygiene: wash your hands, drink only bottled or boiled water. Food should be kept at the appropriate temperature and only cook foods that have known dates. Fruits, berries and vegetables need to be washed.

If your health worsens, you should consult a doctor. If symptoms appeared after returning to Russia from another country, then you need to talk about it at an appointment with a doctor.

The day before it was reported that the first disinfectant production plant in the Far East opened in the Khabarovsk Advanced Development Territory (TOR). The project provides for the construction of several industrial complexes for the production of modern disinfectants, sterilants and antiseptics.