There has been a “large” spike in the number of cases of a virus which can lead to severe neurological illness in babies and young children, Victorian health authorities say.

The detection of the Human parechovirus (HPeV), which can also cause sepsis-like illnesses, has spiked in Victoria since July, mostly in babies and young children, the state’s Chief Health Officer Dr Brett Sutton said on Thursday.

The virus is usually spread by respiratory droplets, saliva or faeces, and most commonly leads to mild respiratory and gastrointestinal issues, he added.

Meanwhile, a Victorian mum who spent months in a coma after contracting a horror flu while heavily pregnant is now awake and in a stable condition, her family says.

After three months in intensive care at Melbourne’s The Alfred Hospital, Cobram mum Sarah Hawthorn has woken and continues to improve.

“It has been a big journey for our family and at this stage, while Sarah is in recovery, we won’t be making any further comment,” Ms Hawthorn’s family said in a statement on Thursday.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of the community, and all the kind wishes we have received.

“(Sarah’s) son is fit and healthy.”

In a gofundme page created in September, Ms Hawthorn’s family said “her gorgeous boy arrived earlier than planned and following his birth Sarah was, and remains, in a critical condition in an induced coma”.

Victorian Health Minister Jill Hennessy earlier labelled the 2017 flu season as a “horror” one, which claimed the lives of 121 aged-care residents, as well as eight-year-old Melbourne girl Rosie Brealey and young Bacchus Marsh dad Ben Ihlow.

In September, the state health department said it had confirmed more than 13,000 flu cases.

-AAP