Learn About Enteroviruses (Non-Polio)

Non-polio enteroviruses are common and usually affect children and adolescents. Once infected, you can spread the virus, with or without symptoms, for several weeks. The virus can be found in eye, nose and mouth secretions, fluid from blisters, and feces.

Key Facts

• There is no vaccine or specific treatment for non-polio enteroviruses.
• Most people have mild symptoms like that of a common cold. It can be serious for infants and people with weakened immune systems.
• Infections are common in the summer and fall.
• Enteroviruses are common and cause upwards of 15 million infections annually in the U.S.

Symptoms

Adults are less likely to experience symptoms than children and adolescents. This is because adults have some protection from prior exposure to the viruses. Symptoms of mild illness include:

• Fever
• Runny nose/sneezing
• Cough
• Skin rash
• Mouth blisters
• Body and muscle aches

Some infections can cause:

• Viral pink eye
• Hand, foot, and mouth disease
• Myocarditis (infection of the heart)
• Acute flaccid paralysis (sudden onset of weakness in arms or legs)
• Amongst other conditions

These complications are more common in infants and individuals with weakened immune systems.

How are enteroviruses diagnosed?

Hospitals and some doctor’s offices test patients to see if they have enterovirus infection using specific lab tests on nose or throat specimens. However, most cannot determine which type of enterovirus you may have.

Treatment

Most people have mild symptoms and recover completely by drinking plenty of water and taking over-the-counter medications as needed. Some illnesses do require hospitalization. Contact your healthcare provider if you are concerned about your or your child’s symptoms.

Prevention

It is difficult to prevent enteroviruses from spreading because many people have the virus without symptoms. As with other viruses, you can help prevent catching or spreading enteroviruses by:

• Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.
• Avoiding close contact with individuals who are sick.

About Enterovirus D68

Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is one of the non-polio enteroviruses. Children with asthma may have a higher risk for severe illness caused by D68 infection. It is important to help your child manage their asthma during times of heightened respiratory virus circulation. Mild symptoms typically include runny nose, sneezing, cough, body and muscle aches. However, it can cause more serious symptoms like wheezing and difficulty breathing.

EV-D68 can also cause acute flaccid myelitis which is uncommon but dangerous and mostly affects children. It is a neurological condition with symptoms like arm or leg weakness, difficulty swallowing, facial drop or weakness and difficulty moving the eyes.

This virus is spread through respiratory secretions (saliva, nasal mucus) when an infected person coughs and sneezes or if you touch a surface that is contaminated with the virus.

Some people may need to be hospitalized and receive supportive therapy if they have serious enterovirus illness.