What is enterovirus disease?

Enteroviruses are a group of viruses that cause a number of infectious illnesses which are usually mild. However if they infect the central nervous system, they can cause serious illness. The two most common ones are echovirus and coxsackievirus, but there are several others.

What causes enterovirus infection?

What causes an enterovirus infection in a child? Enteroviruses can be spread when an infected person sneezes or coughs droplets into the air or on surfaces. A child may then breathe in droplets, or touch a contaminated surface and touch his or her eyes, mouth, or nose.

How does enterovirus affect the body?

Symptoms of Enterovirus Infections Sometimes enteroviruses survive immune defenses and spread into the bloodstream, resulting in fever, headache, sore throat, and, at times, vomiting and diarrhea. People often refer to such illnesses as the “summer flu,” although they are not influenza.

How do you know you have enterovirus?

Cell culture (growth of the actual virus), serology (antibody testing of the blood), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR, a special viral gene test) can confirm acute enterovirus infections. Enteroviruses are found in the stool, the pharynx, blood, and the cerebrospinal fluid.

Is enterovirus serious?

Enteroviruses can cause serious breathing problems. Infants, children with asthma, and those with weak immune systems have a greater chance of breathing problems and complications; some requiring treatment in the intensive care unit.

How long is the enterovirus contagious?

What is the contagious period for an enterovirus infection? In general, individuals are contagious about three days after exposure to the virus and remain contagious until about 10 days after they develop symptoms.

Is enterovirus a respiratory virus?

Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) causes a respiratory illness, primarily in children; symptoms usually resemble those of a cold (eg, rhinorrhea, cough, malaise, fever in a few children). Some children, particularly those with asthma.

What kills enterovirus?

Common disinfectants and detergents will kill enteroviruses, Morse says, so clean frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs and toys according to manufacturers’ directions.

How long does enterovirus last?

The majority of enterovirus infections last about a week to 10 days and have no complications.

Is enterovirus curable?

There is no specific treatment for non-polio enterovirus infection. People with mild illness caused by non-polio enterovirus infection typically only need to treat their symptoms. This includes drinking enough water to stay hydrated and taking over-the-counter cold medications as needed. Most people recover completely.

Is enterovirus the same as Hand Foot and Mouth?

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by viruses that belong to the Enterovirus family. Common causes of hand, foot, and mouth disease are: Coxsackievirus A16 is typically the most common cause of hand, foot, and mouth disease in the United States. Other coxsackieviruses can also cause the illness.

Can enterovirus cause coughing?

Mild symptoms of enterovirus infection may include fever, runny nose, sneezing, cough, skin rash, mouth blisters, and body and muscle aches. Children with asthma are particularly at risk for severe symptoms from enterovirus infection. There is no specific treatment for enterovirus infections.