Reflecting on the 1998 enterovirus outbreak: A 25-year retrospective and learned lessons

Biomed J. 2025 Feb;48(1):100715. doi: 10.1016/j.bj.2024.100715. Epub 2024 Mar 15.

Abstract

Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) infections are a major Asia-Pacific health issue. However, this infection can cause serious and potentially fatal neurological issues. We attempt to explain EV-A71's molecular virology, epidemiology, and recombination events in this review. The clinical and neurological signs of EV-A71 infections are well documented. The review discusses EV-A71 central nervous system infections' causes, diagnostic criteria, treatment choices, and prognosis. Some consequences are aseptic meningitis, acute flaccid paralysis, and acute transverse myelitis. These problems' pathophysiology and EV-A71's central nervous system molecular processes are examined in the review. EV-A71 infections must be diagnosed accurately for therapy. No particular antiviral medications exist for EV-A71 infections, thus supportive care is the main treatment. The study emphasises addressing symptoms including temperature, dehydration, and pain to ease suffering. EV-A71 CNS infections have different prognoses depending on severity. The review discusses long-term effects and neurological sequelae of EV-A71 infections. In conclusion, Asia-Pacific public health is threatened by EV-A71 infections. This review helps prevent, diagnose, and treat EV-A71 infections by addressing the mechanisms, diagnostic criteria, treatment choices, and prognosis. This study fully examines the challenges and considerations of managing and treating EV-A71 infections. It also recommends future research and development to generate effective viral infection treatments.

Keywords: Central nervous system infections; Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71); Epidemiology; Neurological consequences; Treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Enterovirus
  • Enterovirus A, Human / pathogenicity
  • Enterovirus Infections* / diagnosis
  • Enterovirus Infections* / epidemiology
  • Enterovirus Infections* / therapy
  • Enterovirus Infections* / virology
  • Humans
  • Retrospective Studies