An outbreak of human parechovirus infection in a newborn nursery at a hospital in Southern Taiwan, July–August 2023

DOI: 10.6524/EB.202512_41(23).0001

Mei-Yin Chen, Min-Nan Hung, Pei-Jung Chen, Ching-Li Lin^*, Hui-Chen Lin, Min-Cheng Lin

2025 Vol.41 NO.23

Correspondence Author： Ching-Li Lin^*

Abstract：

        On August 14 and 16, 2023, health authorities received reports from Hospital A in southern Taiwan of two newborns suspected of having enterovirus infection with severe complications. An epidemiological investigation revealed that both newborns had been born at Hospital B and admitted to the same newborn nursery. Laboratory testing of cerebrospinal fluid revealed the presence of human parechovirus. 
        In response, health authorities initiated an outbreak investigation and issued infection prevention and control guidance. Among the 21 newborns admitted to the newborn nursery from July 26 to August 15, two developed symptoms. Molecular testing of nasopharyngeal and rectal swabs from these two cases was negative for enterovirus but positive for human parechovirus. 
        To contain the outbreak, Hospital B was instructed to redesign staff workflows, conduct regular hand hygiene audits, enforce staff health monitoring, and implement a discharge-only policy during the outbreak. 
        Of the 45 newborn nursery contacts identified, seven had upper respiratory symptoms. Nasopharyngeal swabs collected from five symptomatic contacts were tested for enterovirus and human parechovirus; all results were negative. No additional cases in the nursery were reported through the end of the monitoring period on September 1, 2023.