Bornholm disease is an uncommon viral infection of the intercostal muscles, which join the ribs together. Sometimes, the lining of the lungs is affected too.
The condition is sometimes known as pleurodynia, or epidemic pleurodynia.
What are the symptoms of Bornholm disease?
The main symptom of Bornholm disease is severe stabbing chest pain, which is often made worse by deep breathing, coughing, or sudden movements. The pain tends to come and go, with episodes lasting 15-30 minutes.
Bornholm disease sometimes also causes tummy pain, fever, headache, sore throat, and muscle pain.
These symptoms usually start suddenly and persist for several days before going away, without the need for treatment. However, they may return.
Who is at risk of Bornholm disease?
Bornholm disease mainly affects children and young adults (under the age of 30).
It usually occurs in epidemics, in settings such as schools or nurseries, and more often during the summer and autumn.
How is the infection caught?
Bornholm disease is caused by a group of viruses called enteroviruses, mainly the Coxsackie B virus.
It spreads via the faecal-oral route; traces of contaminated faeces (poo) reaching the mouth. Less commonly, it can be spread via respiratory droplets, in much the same way as the common cold.
The viruses are found in faeces and in the millions of tiny droplets that come out of the nose and mouth when someone with the disease coughs or sneezes. Hands, water, or food can become contaminated, and respiratory droplets hang suspended in the air before falling to contaminate surfaces. Anyone who touches these surfaces can spread the virus by touching something else.
People usually become infected by picking up the virus on their hands from contaminated objects (such as a nappy or toilet) and then placing their hands in their mouth, by drinking contaminated water, or by breathing in the virus if it is suspended in the air.
This is why it's important to wash hands properly and avoid sharing utensils if you have been infected with the virus, or if someone close to you has Bornholm disease.
Bornholm disease in newborn babies
It is possible for an infected mother to pass the virus on to her newborn baby. Infection in newborns varies in severity – some babies will not have any symptoms, while some may have a severe or even fatal illness.
Babies with severe illness may benefit from immunoglobulin treatment.
Can Bornholm disease be treated?
There's no specific treatment for Bornholm disease. The infection usually clears up by itself after about a week.
Because it is caused by a viral infection, it cannot be treated with antibiotics.
Over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen can often help ease any pain, sore throat and a high temperature, but remember that aspirin should not be given to children under the age of 16.
