Severe epidemic myalgia with an elevated level of serum interleukin-6 caused by human parechovirus type 3: A case report and brief review of the literature

Abstract

Background: Human parechovirus type 3 (HPeV-3) is known to cause cold-like symptoms, diarrhea, or severe infections such as sepsis in infants and children. In adults, HPeV-3 infection is rarely diagnosed because the symptoms are generally mild and self-limiting; however, this infection has been linked to epidemic myalgia, regardless of the presence of underlying diseases, immunosuppression, or sex. Case presentation: We describe an adult case of severe systemic myalgia and orchiodynia after infection with HPeV-3, which was transmitted from the child of the patient. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) level was found to be elevated in the patient's serum. Conclusion: Severe myalgia associated with HPeV-3 infection is potentially caused by an elevated serum level of IL-6.