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It was isolated for the first time in New York, in 1948.
There are six different coxsackie B viruses, each responsible for different symptoms and illnesses.
Coxsackie b viruses are responsible for numerous cases of central nervous system infections in infants and children, as well as heart muscle infections in both children and adults.
These viruses are the most common agent for myocarditis (inflammation of the muscular walls of the heart) and cardiomyopathy dilated (a group of disorders in which the heart muscle is weakened and can not pump effectively, giving as a result the dilation of the cardiac chambers).
What are the symptoms and incubation time?
Human coxsackie b virus infections are common and often asymptomatic (without symptoms).
Illnesses can cause symptoms ranging from mild gastrointestinal disorders (diseases related to the stomach or intestines) to paralysis, heart damage, and birth defects, although subclinical and mild infections are the most common.
Infection with the coxsackie b virus is characterized by:
- Fever.
- Extreme fatigue
- Malaise (bodily discomfort).
- Pains in the chest and muscles.
- Spasms in arms and legs.
- Gastrointestinal upset.
- Headache.
- Throat pain.
The incubation time for most coxsackie viruses is 2 to 10 days, and the onset of cardiac symptoms generally occurs about two weeks after viral infection.
Coxsackie b is responsible for many diseases, some of which include:
- Common cold.
- Pleurodynia (sudden attacks of aching pain of the muscles between the ribs).
- Aseptic meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord).
- Infection of the upper respiratory tract (nasopharynx, oral cavity and throat).
- Myocarditis and pericarditis (inflammation of the membranous sac that surrounds and protects the heart).
Coxsackie b viruses are also known to cause:
- Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
- Flaccid motor paralysis (paralysis with loss of muscle tone)
- Rash (appearance of skin lesions).
- Acne.
- Pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs).
- Generalized disease of the newborn.
How long do the symptoms last?
The duration of the coxsackie b virus varies and depends on the specific type of infection.
For coxsackie b fever without any other symptoms, the body temperature usually returns to normal within three to five days. In pleurodynia, fever and muscle pain usually last one to two days.
How is it diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose a coxsackie virus by doing an exam and checking for characteristic symptoms of the disease. Stool and fluids from the back of the throat can also be tested to determine if the virus is present.
Am I at serious risk of illness?
Coxsackie b virus infection of the heart can cause viral myocarditis, an inflammatory heart disease that can cause heart failure.
The disease does not usually cause death, but permanent heart damage can occur. Generally, there are no long-term complications from mild illness / symptoms caused by coxsackie b virus.
However, some patients who have paralysis may not fully recover.
Those who develop dilated cardiomyopathy (heart failure) from myocarditis will require long-term care for their symptoms.
How is the coxsackie b virus spread?
The coxsackie b virus gains access to the body through the mouth through the fecal-oral mode of transmission. The virus can also spread through contact with infected mucous secretions.
Someone can become infected by direct contact with the secretions of an infected person, or by contact with contaminated surfaces or objects, such as a glass or a telephone.
How can I prevent the coxsackie b virus?
The coxsackie virus cannot be prevented, but it can be controlled through sanitary measures. General cleaning, frequent hand washing, and avoiding contaminated water are the best defenses.
How can I prevent contagion to others?
Children who are sick with the coxsackie virus should be kept out of school or daycare for a few days to avoid spreading the infection.
If you are infected with the virus, be very careful to wash your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and especially before preparing food for other people.
What is the treatment for coxsackie b?
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coxsackie b virus infection; however, depending on the type of infection and symptoms, certain medications can lessen the severity of symptoms.
What is the prevalence of coxsackie in surface water / well water?
Not much is known about the presence of viruses in water, but water contaminated with faeces is known to be an important factor.
The groundwater from which well water is obtained can become faecally contaminated from failed septic systems or leaky sewer ponds and sewer pipes. Contaminated substances can enter groundwater through soils and cracks in the ground.
Other factors that contribute to drinking water contamination occur in or near water supply wells. The main causes are the poor location and / or construction of the well and the presence of test wells or exploratory wells.
Improperly sanitized distribution systems, including storage towers, can also be a major source of microbial contamination of water.
How can we protect our water supplies?
Protecting the groundwater source is an important part of ensuring that well areas in all public water systems are free from contaminants.
Disinfection is a very important step in reducing waterborne diseases and is implemented to eliminate, deactivate, or kill disease-causing microorganisms.
Disinfection treatments include:
- Chlorination
- Ozonización.
- Inverse osmosis.
- Ultraviolet light.
- Nanofiltration (filtering the water through filters with a very small pore size).
Important Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for informational and educational purposes only, is not offered and does not constitute medical advice.
