British News Agency

Prof. Dr. İpek Türktaş from the Department of Pediatrics at Güven Hospital stated that bocavirus, which is particularly seen in infants and young children, is often mistaken for the common cold but can progress severely in some cases, leading to hospitalization.

Noting that bocavirus (Human bocavirus) is a DNA virus belonging to the Parvoviridae family and was first identified in 2005, Prof. Dr. Türktaş said, “It is most commonly seen in children aged 0–5 years. Infants aged 6 months to 3 years, children attending daycare and kindergarten, and those whose immune systems are not yet fully developed are particularly at risk.”

Symptoms can be confused with the common cold

Prof. Dr. Türktaş stated that runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, fever, wheezing, and difficulty breathing are commonly seen in bocavirus infection, adding, “In some children, the condition may progress to bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Oxygen support and hospitalization may be required.” She also noted that diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain may accompany the infection in some cases.

“Highly contagious, daycares are high-risk settings”

Emphasizing that bocavirus spreads easily through respiratory droplets released by coughing and sneezing, as well as via contaminated hands and shared surfaces, Prof. Dr. Türktaş said, “Daycare centers and school environments are among the highest-risk areas for transmission.” She added that infectivity is higher during the first days after symptom onset.

Diagnosis by PCR, treatment is supportive

Prof. Dr. Türktaş explained that diagnosis is made using PCR tests performed on nasal or throat swab samples, stating, “Bocavirus may be detected together with other viruses such as RSV, rhinovirus, and influenza. Therefore, the clinical picture must always be evaluated by a physician.”

Emphasizing that there is no specific antiviral treatment for bocavirus, Prof. Dr. Türktaş said, “Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. The main goals are to control fever, relieve breathing, and prevent fluid loss. Antibiotics are not routinely used.”

Do not delay if these symptoms occur

Warning families, Prof. Dr. Türktaş stated, “In cases of rapid or labored breathing, bluish discoloration around the lips, inability to feed, persistent drowsiness, changes in consciousness, or high fever that does not subside, a healthcare facility should be consulted immediately.”

Highlighting the importance of hand hygiene, surface cleaning, and keeping sick children away from crowded environments for prevention, Prof. Dr. İpek Türktaş concluded, “Proper recognition of symptoms and avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use are of great importance for the correct management of the disease.”