Enterovirus 71 (EV71) Neurological Disease - advisory for hospitals and laboratories

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) has been confirmed in a number of children in New South Wales and more recently in Victoria, and has caused severe neurological disease in young children. Hand, Foot and Mouth disease (HFMD), or a history of contact with a case of HFMD, are occasional but not consistent findings in these children. Any child presenting with a febrile illness and neurological features (including irritability) should have a diagnosis of EV71 considered.