Fatal echovirus 7 infection during an outbreak in a special care baby unit.

A case of fatal echovirus 7 infection in a neonate which was probably acquired from the symptomatic mother and an outbreak of infection in a neonatal unit are described. The baby who died had extensive haemorrhagic necrosis of the brain, liver, adrenal glands and kidneys as well as disseminated intravascular coagulation. Three other babies and one member of staff were found to be infected. No other babies died. Human normal immunoglobulin was administered to all babies on the unit.