Baby dies after unusual 'cluster' of heart infections in south Wales

A baby has died and nine others have been treated in hospital after a "cluster" of heart infections in south Wales, according to Public Health Wales.

It is investigating the enterovirus cases in the babies, all of whom were under a month old when they fell ill.

The babies developed myocarditis, a rare complication of enterovirus.

Ten babies have received treatment in the area since June 2022, with the cluster described as "unusual" because of the number of cases reported over a relatively short period.

Enteroviruses are a group of viruses that cause a number of infectious illnesses which are usually mild.

However, in rare cases it can cause myocarditis, where the heart becomes inflamed.

Public Health Wales described the heart infection as "extremely rare" and is working with the paediatric team at the Noah's Ark Children's Hospital for Wales to understand the reasons behind the cluster.

Dr Christopher Williams, consultant epidemiologist for Public Health Wales, said the cluster is "unusual" due to the number of cases reported in a short space of time.

He said: “Enterovirus is a common infection of childhood, causing a range of infections including respiratory disease, hand, foot and mouth, and viral meningitis. In very young babies, enterovirus can, in rare cases, also cause a severe illness in the first few weeks of life. Most babies and children recover completely following enterovirus infection.

“It only affects the heart on very rare occasions. This cluster is unusual due to the number of cases reported in a relatively short time frame, and so investigations are now ongoing in collaboration with the paediatric team in the children’s hospital of Wales to understand the reasons why and to investigate any further cases that may be reported in the coming weeks and months.

“Parents should be reassured that although there has been an increase in cases, this is still an extremely rare occurrence.”

Parents are advised to practice good hand hygiene, including washing their hands properly before and after changing nappies, as well as after using the toilet and before preparing food.

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