Parechovirus in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Parechovirus is a virus closely related to enteroviruses. Enteroviruses are common viruses that can cause illnesses such as:

  • Diarrhea (gastroenteritis)
  • Common colds and other upper respiratory infections
  • Hand, foot and mouth disease (less common, but seen in children)

In Grand Rapids and across West Michigan, parechovirus infections are seen most often in infants and young children, especially during times when other respiratory and stomach viruses are circulating.

How Parechovirus Spreads

Parechovirus spreads from person to person through:

  • Direct contact with nose and throat secretions (saliva, sputum, nasal mucus)
  • Droplets from coughing or sneezing
  • Contact with stool (poop) from an infected person
  • Contaminated surfaces, toys, or shared utensils

In daycare centers, preschools, and playgroups around Grand Rapids, close contact between young children makes it easier for parechovirus and other enteroviruses to spread, especially in the fall and winter when kids are indoors more often.

Who Is Most at Risk in Grand Rapids?

Anyone can get parechovirus, but the highest risk is in:

  • Newborns and infants under 3 months
  • Babies under 6 months
  • Young children in daycare or group settings

Because Grand Rapids has a large population of young families and many childcare centers, local pediatric practices and hospitals such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, and Metro Health–University of Michigan Health frequently evaluate infants with fever or viral symptoms during peak seasons.

Cold Michigan winters and long indoor periods can increase the spread of respiratory and gastrointestinal viruses, including parechovirus.

Symptoms of Parechovirus in Children

Many people infected with parechovirus have no symptoms at all. When symptoms do occur, they can range from mild to severe.

Mild symptoms may include:

  • Diarrhea or loose stools
  • Mild vomiting
  • Runny nose, cough, or cold-like symptoms
  • Low-grade fever
  • Irritability or fussiness

In newborns and young infants, symptoms can be more concerning, such as:

  • High temperature (fever)
  • Irritability, unusual crying, or difficulty soothing
  • Lethargy (very sleepy, hard to wake, or not acting normally)
  • Poor feeding or refusing feeds
  • Fast or labored breathing
  • Rash
  • Pale or mottled skin

Occasionally, babies can become unwell very quickly. In rare cases, parechovirus can affect the lining of the brain (meningitis) or the brain itself (encephalitis), leading to more severe symptoms such as:

  • Seizures
  • Muscle jerks or twitching
  • Marked changes in behavior or responsiveness

If you see any of these severe symptoms in a baby or child in Grand Rapids, seek emergency care immediately at your nearest hospital (for example, Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, or Metro Health Hospital).

When to Call a Doctor in Grand Rapids

Fever in children under 6 months of age should always be reviewed by a doctor.

Contact your pediatrician, family doctor, or an urgent care clinic in Grand Rapids right away if your child has:

  • Fever in a baby under 3–6 months
  • Persistent high fever
  • Very loose or frequent diarrhea
  • Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, fewer wet diapers, no tears when crying)
  • Breathing that is fast or seems difficult
  • A new rash with fever
  • Is unusually sleepy, irritable, or “not themselves”

Call 911 or go to the emergency department if your child has:

  • Seizures or muscle jerks
  • Trouble breathing or pauses in breathing
  • Blue or gray lips or face
  • Extreme sleepiness, limpness, or unresponsiveness

How Parechovirus Is Diagnosed

In many cases, parechovirus is diagnosed based on symptoms and a physical exam.

  • Mild illness: Tests are usually not needed. Your Grand Rapids healthcare provider may simply monitor your child and recommend home care.
  • More severe illness: A pediatrician or hospital specialist may order specific tests to look for parechovirus or related viruses. These may include:
    • Nose/throat swabs
    • Stool (poop) samples
    • Blood tests
    • In some severe cases, a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to check for infection in the fluid around the brain and spinal cord

Local hospitals in Grand Rapids, including Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital and Trinity Health Grand Rapids, have access to laboratory testing for viral infections when needed.

Treatment for Parechovirus

There is no specific antiviral medication for parechovirus. Treatment focuses on supportive care to keep your child comfortable and hydrated while their immune system clears the virus.

Supportive care may include:

  • Fluids:

    • Offer plenty of breast milk, formula, or oral rehydration solutions for infants.
    • For older children, encourage small, frequent sips of water or oral rehydration solutions.

  • Fever and discomfort:

    • Your doctor may recommend acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (for children over 6 months), using the correct dose for your child’s weight.
    • Never give aspirin to children.

  • Hospital care:

    • Some infants, especially newborns or very young babies, may need to be monitored in the hospital for a short time.
    • At Grand Rapids hospitals, care may include IV fluids, oxygen, and close observation of breathing, feeding, and neurological status.

Most children – even those who need hospital care – recover fully after a few days with supportive treatment.

If at any time you are worried about your child’s condition, contact your doctor or seek urgent care.

Preventing the Spread of Parechovirus in Grand Rapids

There is no vaccine available against parechovirus. Good personal and household hygiene is essential to prevent spread, especially in homes with newborns and in childcare settings.

Key hygiene steps:

  • Handwashing

    • Wash hands with soap and water:
      • After going to the bathroom or changing diapers
      • After wiping or blowing noses
      • Before preparing food or feeding a child
      • After handling soiled clothing, bedding, or toys

  • Cleaning and disinfection

    • Thoroughly wash and disinfect:
      • Soiled clothing and bedding
      • Surfaces that may be contaminated (changing tables, high chairs, countertops)
      • Toys, especially those shared in daycare or playgroups

  • Separate eating and drinking items

    • Use separate eating and drinking utensils for each child.
    • Do not share cups, bottles, pacifiers, or utensils.

  • Stay home when sick

    • People with colds, flu-like symptoms, or stomach illness should avoid close contact with small babies, especially newborns.
    • Keep sick children home from daycare or school in Grand Rapids until they are feeling better and fever-free as advised by your healthcare provider.

  • If you are sick and must care for a baby

    • Wash your hands thoroughly before touching or feeding the baby.
    • Use an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water are not available.
    • Try to avoid coughing or sneezing directly near the infant.

The Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health provide guidance on infection prevention, hand hygiene, and managing illness in childcare and school settings.

Local Resources in Grand Rapids, MI

If you are concerned about parechovirus or your child’s symptoms, you can seek help from:

  • Your pediatrician or family doctor in Grand Rapids or surrounding communities
  • Urgent care centers (many are open evenings and weekends)
  • Local hospitals:
    • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health–University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health facilities in West Michigan

You can also contact:

  • Kent County Health Department – for public health information and guidance
  • Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) – for statewide communicable disease information

For non-emergency medical questions, many Grand Rapids health systems offer nurse advice lines and online nurse triage through their patient portals.

Always call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if your child appears seriously ill.

Key Points About Parechovirus in Grand Rapids

  • Parechovirus is closely related to enteroviruses, which can cause diarrhea, colds, and hand, foot and mouth disease.
  • Good hand hygiene and cleaning practices are essential to help prevent the spread of infection, especially in homes with infants and in daycare settings.
  • Most children – even those who are hospitalized – recover within a few days with supportive treatment.
  • Rarely, parechovirus can affect the lining of the brain and cause serious symptoms such as seizures or muscle jerks.
  • Diagnosis is often based on symptoms, but specific tests may be done for more severe illness.
  • There is no vaccine and no specific antiviral treatment; care focuses on keeping your child comfortable, hydrated, and closely monitored.

If you live in Grand Rapids or West Michigan and are worried about your child’s fever, diarrhea, or unusual behavior, contact a local healthcare provider promptly for advice and evaluation.