In France during 2012, human enterovirus 71 (EV-A71) subgenogroup C4 strains were detected in 4 children hospitalized for neonatal fever or meningitis. Phylogenetic analysis showed novel and independent EV-A71 introductions, presumably from China, and suggested circulation of C4 strains throughout France. This observation emphasizes the need for monitoring EV-A71 infections in Europe.
Keywords: France; Picornaviridae; enterovirus 71; enterovirus species A; foot and mouth disease; hand; herpangina; humans; meningitis; meningoencephalitis; neonatal fever; phylogenetic analyses; rhomboencephalitis; subgenogroup C4; viruses.