A cluster of heart infections in newborns in south Wales, which led to one death, is under investigation. Cases of severe enterovirus infections with myocarditis began in June 2022, affecting babies under 28 days old, with a peak in November.
Ten infants developed myocarditis; one remains in hospital, eight are being treated as outpatients, and one has died. Public Health Wales (PHW) has reassured parents that this is an extremely rare occurrence.
Enterovirus is a common childhood infection that rarely affects the heart. Most babies recover fully, but in very young infants it can cause severe illness. Dr Christopher Williams, consultant epidemiologist for PHW, noted the cluster is unusual due to the number of cases in a short time frame, and investigations are ongoing with the Children's Hospital of Wales.
PHW has issued a briefing to health professionals in Wales but has not declared an outbreak. Wales' Health Minister Eluned Morgan emphasised the rarity of the condition and advised paediatricians to consider myocarditis in babies presenting with sepsis. The World Health Organization has been informed.
