You are here

Infection with the Coxsackie B virus

Document
Last amended 
1 June 2015

Diabetes mellitus - Infection with the Coxsackie B virus Factor

RMA definition

"Being infected with a Coxsackie B virus" is defined by the RMA to mean:

  1. having positive serology for a Coxsackie B virus; or
  2. being positive on polymerase chain reaction testing for Coxsackie B virus ribonucleic acid (RNA).
General information

Coxsackie B is one of a heterogeneous group of viruses of the genus Enterovirus, that in humans has a tendency to affect the meninges (membranes that envelope the brain and spinal cord) and occasionally the cerebrum (brain), but which can cause a wide spectrum of clinical illness.

Signs and symptoms

After an incubation period of 3 to 6 days, patients present with an acute onset of fever, malaise, and headache. Many cases include upper respiratory symptoms, and some cases include vomiting and nausea. Symptoms often last 3-4 days and most resolve in a week.

Whether or not a person has been infected with Coxsackie B virus can only be determined by isolation of the virus which may be found in oral secretions, stool, blood and cerebrospinal fluid.

Last reviewed for CCPS 12 March 2008.

Preliminary questions [10527]

10603 there is some evidence that infection with Coxsackie B virus may be a factor in the development or worsening of the condition under consideration.

10547 the veteran has insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (type 1).

10563 the veteran has been infected with Coxsackie B virus at some time.

10564  the veteran has established the causal connection between the Coxsackie B virus and operational service for diabetes mellitus.

10571 the veteran was infected with Coxsackie B virus before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.

10567   the veteran has established the causal connection between the Coxsackie B virus and operational service for the clinical onset of diabetes mellitus.

or

7334     the clinical onset of the condition under consideration occurred after the end of the veteran's last period of VEA service.

7335     the condition under consideration permanently worsened.

10572 the veteran was infected with Coxsackie B virus before the clinical worsening of the condition under consideration.

10569   the veteran has established the causal connection between the Coxsackie B virus and operational service for the clinical worsening of diabetes mellitus.

Clinical onset and operational service [10567]

10573 on operational service, the veteran was infected with Coxsackie B virus before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.

10867 the infection with Coxsackie B virus on operational service before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration was due to the veteran's serious default, wilful act or serious breach of discipline.

Clinical worsening and operational service [10569]

28194 on operational service, the veteran was infected with Coxsackie B virus before the clinical worsening of the condition under consideration.

28195 as a causal result of operational service, the veteran was infected with Coxsackie B virus before the clinical worsening of the condition under consideration.

28197 the infection with Coxsackie B virus on operational service before the clinical worsening of the condition under consideration was due to the veteran's serious default, wilful act or serious breach of discipline.