Urgent warning over 'unusual' spike of heart infections among babies
Eloise Hill
Content writerThe World Health Organisation says there's been a surge in severe myocarditis – a potentially deadly inflammation of the heart – and it's affecting babies
A baby has died and 9 have been admitted to hospital due to an 'unusual' cluster of heart infections. Overall, 15 newborns throughout Wales and England have become unwell with severe myocarditis since June last year.
One of the baby's is still in hospital, according to an alert issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO) earlier this week. They say there's been an 'unusual' spike in cases of severe myocarditis in newborns and babies between June 2022 and March 2023.
They also said they might be recommending schools and childcare facilities shut if cases increase.
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Health chiefs are investigating
In total, 15 babies – 10 in Wales and 5 in England – have been affected. Of these, 9 tested positive for a type of enterovirus. This usually causes a fever, runny nose and other mild symptoms. However in very rare instances, young babies can develop myocarditis.
Experts do not know why there has been a sudden spike in the condition.
Health chiefs in Wales are investigating what has caused the cases, and are also looking into any further cases that surface throughout the coming weeks.
No severe myocarditis cases have been reported since March, with cases seeming to reach a peak in November last year.
What is myocarditis?
Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart, which is normally triggered by a virus, and is a result of the immune system overreacting to being infected.
The inflammation can remain in the heart once the virus has gone.
Those with the condition may have no symptoms, but can also experience chest pains, shortness of breath and palpitations.
'We were led to believe it was a one-off'
Mum Joann Edwards tragically lost her baby Elijah to myocarditis in February 2022.
He was initially diagnosed with sepsis and bronchiolitis — a common chest infection. However he later tested positive for enterovirus and died a few days later.
Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board is now probing Elijah's death.
Mrs Edwards says her family has been ignored and reveals she was 'gobsmacked' after hearing about other cases as they were 'led to believe that we were a one-off'.
'Enterovirus is a common infection of childhood'
Consultant paediatrician at the UKHSA, Dr Shamez Ladhani, said:
'Enterovirus is a common infection of childhood, causing a range of symptoms including respiratory disease; hand, foot and mouth, and viral meningitis.
'In very young babies, enterovirus can, on rare occasions, lead to a severe complication called myocarditis – which causes inflammation of the heart. Most babies and children recover completely from this.'
He continued:
'Given a higher than average number of cases in Wales in the autumn/winter months in very young babies, UKHSA is investigating the situation in England to see if any similar cases have been observed here and whether there are any factors driving the increase in cases.'
'It only affects the heart on very rare occasions'
Consultant epidemiologist for Public Health Wales, Dr Christopher Williams, also said:
'Enterovirus is a common infection of childhood, causing a range of infections.
'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.'
He went on: '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.'
The WHO has also explained that the risk to public health from cases remains 'low.'
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