What are the common symptoms of enterovirus infections in children. How is enterovirus transmitted among children. What diagnostic methods are used to identify enterovirus infections. How are enterovirus infections in children typically treated. What preventive measures can be taken against enterovirus infections.

Understanding Enterovirus Infections in Children

Enterovirus infections are prevalent among children, especially during summer and fall. These viral infections often cause mild symptoms but can occasionally lead to more severe complications. Understanding the nature of enteroviruses and their impact on children’s health is crucial for parents and caregivers.

What are Enteroviruses?

Enteroviruses are a group of viruses that include numerous types, each capable of causing various symptoms. While most enterovirus infections result in mild illness, some strains can lead to more serious health issues. The most well-known enterovirus is poliovirus, which has been largely eradicated in many countries due to widespread vaccination efforts.

Why are Children More Susceptible?

Children are particularly vulnerable to enterovirus infections because their immune systems have not yet developed full immunity to these viruses. As individuals age and encounter more enteroviruses, they typically build up resistance, which explains why adults are less likely to experience severe symptoms.

Common Symptoms of Enterovirus Infections in Children

Enterovirus infections can manifest in various ways, ranging from asymptomatic cases to more severe presentations. Recognizing the symptoms is crucial for timely intervention and appropriate care.

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Sneezing and coughing
• Respiratory distress
• Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
• Skin rashes

Is fever always present in enterovirus infections? Fever is a common symptom but not universal. Some children may experience other symptoms without developing a fever.

Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease: A Common Enterovirus Manifestation

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is a specific presentation of enterovirus infection, typically caused by coxsackievirus. It is characterized by red sores in the mouth and a distinctive rash on the palms of hands and soles of feet.

Transmission and Spread of Enteroviruses

Understanding how enteroviruses spread is essential for implementing effective prevention strategies. These viruses are highly contagious and can be transmitted through various routes.

Primary Modes of Transmission

1. Respiratory droplets: When an infected person coughs or sneezes
2. Surface contact: Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching eyes, mouth, or nose
3. Fecal-oral route: Contact with infected feces, often due to poor hand hygiene

Can enteroviruses spread through food and water? Yes, contaminated food and water can serve as vehicles for enterovirus transmission, emphasizing the importance of proper hygiene and sanitation practices.

Diagnosis of Enterovirus Infections in Children

Accurate diagnosis of enterovirus infections is crucial for appropriate management and prevention of complications. Healthcare providers employ various diagnostic methods to identify these viral infections.

Clinical Evaluation

The initial step in diagnosis involves a thorough physical examination and assessment of symptoms. Healthcare providers will inquire about the child’s medical history and recent exposures to potential sources of infection.

Laboratory Tests

In cases where symptoms are severe or a definitive diagnosis is necessary, several laboratory tests may be conducted:

• Virus culture: Samples of saliva, blood, urine, or stool are tested for the presence of the virus
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR): A highly sensitive test that detects viral genetic material
• Spinal fluid analysis: In cases of suspected meningitis, a sample of cerebrospinal fluid may be examined
• Blood tests: To assess overall health status and identify potential complications

How long does it take to get results from enterovirus tests? The turnaround time for test results can vary depending on the specific test and laboratory capabilities. PCR tests typically provide results within 24-48 hours, while virus cultures may take several days.

Imaging Studies

In some cases, imaging studies may be necessary to evaluate potential complications:

• Chest X-rays: To assess lung involvement
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): To evaluate heart function
• Echocardiogram: To visualize heart structure and function

Treatment Approaches for Enterovirus Infections

The management of enterovirus infections in children primarily focuses on supportive care and symptom relief. There are currently no specific antiviral medications approved for the treatment of most enterovirus infections.

Supportive Care Measures

• Rest and hydration: Ensuring adequate rest and fluid intake is crucial for recovery
• Fever management: Over-the-counter fever reducers may be recommended
• Pain relief: Medications to alleviate discomfort from sore throat or body aches
• Respiratory support: In severe cases, oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation may be necessary

Are antibiotics effective against enterovirus infections? No, antibiotics are not effective against viral infections like enteroviruses. They are only prescribed if a secondary bacterial infection develops.

Management of Specific Symptoms

Depending on the presenting symptoms, additional treatments may be recommended:

• Topical treatments for skin rashes
• Oral rinses or medications for mouth sores
• Anti-nausea medications for gastrointestinal symptoms

Complications and Severe Manifestations of Enterovirus Infections

While most enterovirus infections resolve without complications, some cases can lead to more serious health issues. Understanding these potential complications is essential for early recognition and intervention.

Neurological Complications

Enteroviruses can occasionally affect the nervous system, leading to conditions such as:

• Viral meningitis: Inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord
• Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain tissue
• Acute flaccid myelitis: A rare but serious condition causing sudden weakness in one or more limbs

How common are neurological complications in enterovirus infections? Neurological complications are relatively rare, occurring in a small percentage of cases. However, they require immediate medical attention when suspected.

Respiratory Complications

Some enterovirus strains, such as Enterovirus D68, can cause severe respiratory symptoms, including:

• Bronchiolitis
• Pneumonia
• Asthma exacerbations

Cardiovascular Complications

In rare cases, enteroviruses can affect the heart, leading to conditions such as:

• Myocarditis: Inflammation of the heart muscle
• Pericarditis: Inflammation of the protective sac surrounding the heart

Prevention Strategies for Enterovirus Infections

Preventing the spread of enterovirus infections is crucial for protecting children’s health. While it’s not always possible to avoid exposure completely, several measures can significantly reduce the risk of infection.

Personal Hygiene Practices

• Hand washing: Frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water
• Avoiding touching face: Discouraging children from touching their eyes, nose, and mouth
• Proper cough and sneeze etiquette: Covering mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow

How effective is hand sanitizer against enteroviruses? While hand sanitizers can be helpful, they are not as effective as soap and water in removing enteroviruses from hands. Whenever possible, thorough hand washing should be prioritized.

Environmental Measures

• Regular cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces
• Proper disposal of contaminated items, such as tissues
• Avoiding close contact with individuals who are sick

Vaccination

While there are no vaccines available for most enteroviruses, the polio vaccine is highly effective in preventing poliovirus infection. Ensuring children receive all recommended vaccinations can help protect against certain enterovirus strains.

Long-term Outlook and Follow-up Care

The prognosis for most children with enterovirus infections is generally favorable, with complete recovery occurring within a few days to weeks. However, in cases of severe complications or persistent symptoms, ongoing medical care and monitoring may be necessary.

Recovery Timeline

The duration of illness and recovery can vary depending on the specific enterovirus strain and individual factors. Most children experience symptom improvement within 3-5 days, with full recovery within 1-2 weeks.

When should parents seek medical attention during the recovery period? Parents should contact healthcare providers if symptoms worsen, new symptoms develop, or if the child shows signs of dehydration or respiratory distress.

Post-infection Care

• Follow-up appointments to monitor recovery progress
• Gradual return to normal activities as symptoms improve
• Continued emphasis on preventive measures to avoid re-infection or spread to others

Long-term Effects

While most children recover fully from enterovirus infections without lasting effects, some severe cases may require ongoing medical management. This is particularly true for children who experience neurological or cardiac complications.

Enterovirus infections in children, while often mild, can present significant challenges in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. By understanding the nature of these infections, recognizing symptoms, and implementing effective preventive measures, parents and healthcare providers can work together to minimize the impact of enteroviruses on children’s health. Ongoing research continues to enhance our understanding of these viruses and may lead to improved diagnostic tools and treatment options in the future.

Enteroviruses in Children | Cedars-Sinai

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What is an enterovirus infection in children?

An enterovirus is a very common
type of virus. There are many types of enteroviruses. Most of them cause only mild
illness. Infections most often occur in the summer and fall. The viruses mostly cause
illness in babies, children, and teens. This is because most adults have already been
exposed to many enteroviruses and have built up immunity.

The viruses may not cause any
symptoms, or they may cause only mild symptoms. Enteroviruses often cause what is known
as the “summer flu.” They can also cause a rash known as hand-foot-and-mouth disease.
This is generally caused by coxsackievirus, a type of enterovirus.

But in some cases, an enterovirus
can be more severe and cause complications. Some of the viruses, such as polio, can
cause serious illness. Polio can be prevented with a vaccine and is uncommon in the
U.S.. Some types of enteroviruses can cause inflammation of the tissue that covers the
brain and spinal cord (meningitis). Enterovirus 68 can cause severe symptoms in some
children, such as trouble breathing.

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. Some of the viruses can spread through contact with infected feces (stool). This can happen when children don’t wash their hands or don’t wash them properly. It can also happen from eating or drinking food or water that contains the virus.

What are the symptoms of an enterovirus infection in a child?

In many cases, enteroviruses don’t
cause symptoms. If they do, the symptoms are often mild. Most symptoms usually go away
in a few days and can include:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Trouble breathing
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Red sores in the mouth, and on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet (hand-foot-and-mouth disease)
• Red rash over large areas of the body

The symptoms of an enterovirus can be like other health conditions. Make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is an enterovirus infection diagnosed in a child?

A healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. The provider will do a physical exam. This may include an exam of the mouth, eyes, and skin. The healthcare provider will listen to your child’s chest as he or she breathes.

In the case of severe symptoms, your child may need certain tests. These are done to see if your child has an enterovirus, or has a different kind of illness. The tests can look for problems in the heart, lungs, and brain. The tests may include:

• Virus culture. The healthcare provider takes a small sample of saliva, blood, urine, or stool. It is then tested for a virus.
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The healthcare provider takes a small sample of blood, urine, or saliva. The sample is tested for a virus.
• Spinal fluid test. The healthcare provider takes a small sample of spinal fluid. This is done by putting a small needle into your child’s back. The fluid is tested for levels of certain chemicals and cells.
• Blood test. The healthcare provider takes blood from a vein. It is then tested for chemicals that may show the cause of your child’s illness, or show organ problems.
• X-rays. This test is done to look at the lungs and heart.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG). This test is done to look at the electrical action of the heart.
• Echocardiogram. This test uses sound waves and a computer to look at the structure and movements of the heart.

How is an enterovirus infection treated in a child?

Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.

Antibiotics don’t work on viral illnesses like enterovirus. And no antiviral medicines are available to help cure an enterovirus infection. Instead, treatment is done to help your child feel better while his or her body fights the illness. This includes:

• Pain medicine. These include acetaminophen and ibuprofen. They are used to help ease pain and reduce fever. Don’t give aspirin to your child if he or she has a fever.
• Oral pain reliever (anesthetic). This is a gel used to help ease the pain of sores in the mouth.
• Bed rest. This helps your child’s body fight the illness.
• Change in diet. If your child has painful mouth sores, give only bland, soft foods. Don’t give your child salty or crunchy foods.

In severe cases, treatment may include:

• Opioid medicines for severe pain
• Medicine for heart problems
• IV (intravenous) fluids for
  dehydration
• Medicine called immunoglobulin given
  through an IV
• Antiviral medicine

Symptoms such as muscle aches, fever, and sore throat usually go away in a few days. The red sores known as hand-foot-and-mouth disease usually go away in 7 to 10 days.

Talk with your child’s healthcare providers about the risks, benefits, and possible side effects of all medicines.

What are possible complications of an enterovirus infection in a child?

Complications from enteroviruses are not common. But they can cause severe problems such as:

• Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis)
• Inflammation of the tissues around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis)
• Inflammation of the heart (myocarditis)
• Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis)
• Eye infection (conjunctivitis)
• Severe illness in the lungs
• Paralysis of muscles

How can I help prevent an enterovirus infection in my child?

Children are vaccinated against poliovirus. But there is no vaccine for other enteroviruses. Enteroviruses can spread easily from person to person. They are spread through stool and mucus from coughing or sneezing. They can live on surfaces that sick people have touched, coughed, or sneezed near. To help prevent illness:

• Teach children to wash their hands after using the toilet, before eating, and before touching their eyes, mouth, or nose.
• Wash your hands often, especially if caring for someone who is sick. Use a hand sanitizer if you don’t have soap and water handy. 
• Try to have less contact with people who are sick.
• Clean surfaces at home regularly with disinfectant.

When should I call my child’s healthcare provider?

Call a healthcare provider right away if your child has:

• Fever (see Fever and children, below)
• Severe headache that doesn’t get better after taking a pain reliever
• Trouble breathing
• Chest pain when breathing
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Pain, swelling, and redness of the eyes
• Stiffness and trouble moving
• Yellow tint to the skin and eyes (jaundice)

Fever and children

Always use a digital thermometer to check your child’s temperature. Never use a mercury thermometer.

For infants and toddlers, be sure to use a rectal thermometer correctly. A rectal thermometer may accidentally poke a hole in (perforate) the rectum. It may also pass on germs from the stool. Always follow the product maker’s directions for proper use. If you don’t feel comfortable taking a rectal temperature, use another method. When you talk to your child’s healthcare provider, tell him or her which method you used to take your child’s temperature.

Here are guidelines for fever temperature. Ear temperatures aren’t accurate before 6 months of age. Don’t take an oral temperature until your child is at least 4 years old.

Infant younger than 3 months old:

• Ask your child’s healthcare provider how you should take the temperature.
• Rectal or forehead (temporal artery) temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by the provider
• Armpit temperature of 99°F (37. 2°C) or higher, or as directed by the provider

Child age 3 to 36 months:

• Rectal, forehead (temporal artery), or ear temperature of 102°F (38.9°C) or higher, or as directed by the provider
• Armpit temperature of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher, or as directed by the provider

Child of any age:

• Repeated temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher, or as directed by the provider
• Fever that lasts more than 24 hours
  in a child younger than age 2. Or a fever that lasts for 3 days in a child 2 years
  or older.

Key points about enteroviruses in children

• Enteroviruses are very common. The
  viruses mostly cause illness in babies, children, and teens. This is because most
  adults have already been exposed to many enteroviruses and have built up
  immunity.
• The viruses often don’t cause
  symptoms, or cause only mild symptoms.
• 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.
• The viruses are treated with supportive care such as pain medicine.
• In some rare cases, the viruses may cause inflammation of the brain, heart, or other parts of the body.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:

• Know the reason for the visit and what you want to happen.
• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you for your child.
• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child. Also know what the side effects are.
• Ask if your child’s condition can be treated in other ways.
• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
• Know what to expect if your child does not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
• If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
• Know how you can contact your child’s provider after office hours. This is important if your child becomes ill and you have questions or need advice.

Enterovirus D68: What Parents Need to Know

A group of viruses known as enteroviruses, which includes enterovirus D68 (EV-D68), cause about 10 to 15 million infections each year in the United States. Usually, they spread most in the late summer or early fall. Enteroviruses other than EV-D68 can cause childhood illnesses such as hand, foot & mouth disease,
meningitis and encephalitis.

EV-D68 can cause respiratory symptoms from the common cold to serious breathing problems.

Signs of EV-D68 range from a routine cold to more serious asthma-like symptoms with wheezing and difficulty breathing. 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.

Reports of EV-D68 linked to acute flaccid myelitis

Cases of rhinoviruses and/or enteroviruses (EVs), including EV-D68 in children, have been
reported across several regions of the country. In children, symptoms of EV-D68 can include severe respiratory illness and has been associated with
acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), a rare but serious complication involving limb weakness.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is advising parents to contact their child’s health care provider right away if their child has trouble breathing or sudden symptoms of limb weakness. Anyone with asthma is at increased risk of serious illness—the CDC is urging that ensure their child’s asthma action plan is up to date (see more, below).

How EV-D68 spreads

EV-D68 is spread by the respiratory route when in contact an infected person. You can also become infected by touching objects or surfaces that have the virus on them and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes.

Information for parents of children with asthma

This virus is particularly hard on children’s lungs. Therefore, it is especially important for parents of children previously diagnosed with asthma to:

• Help your child follow their
  asthma action plan.

• Communicate with your child’s pediatrician or subspecialist to plan ahead for times when symptoms may need urgent medical care.

• Take prescribed
  asthma medications as directed, especially long-term control medication(s).

• Keep the reliever (rescue) medication (inhaler or nebulizer) on hand.

• Get the seasonal influenza vaccine as soon as vaccine is available, because an influenza infection in the lungs can trigger asthma attacks and a worsening of asthma symptoms.

• Make sure the child’s caregiver and/or teacher is aware of his condition, and that they know how to avoid
  asthma triggers and what to do if the child experiences any symptoms related to asthma.

• Although no children should be exposed to
  secondhand smoke, it is especially important to prohibit smoking in
  homes and cars where children with asthma live.

If your child is experiencing symptoms

• Children with a high fever and those with cold symptoms lasting longer than 7-10 days should talk with their pediatrician.
• Those with difficulty breathing or sudden limb weakness should seek emergency care.

Tips to reduce the risk of EV-D68 infection

• 
  Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.

• Avoid touching, eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• 
  Wear a mask in public—especially if at high risk of serious illness from infections.

• Avoid kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick.

• 
  Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.

• Stay home when sick.

Remember, enteroviruses are different from the flu!

To
protect against the flu virus, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends all children ages six months and older be get their flu vaccine at the earliest possible time.

More information

• 
  COVID-19 & Other Respiratory Illnesses: How Are They Different?
• RSV: When It’s More Than Just a Cold

Last Updated

9/13/2022

Source

American Academy of Pediatrics (Copyright © 2022)

The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.

Enteroviral infection – Symptoms, treatment

Enteroviral infection is an intestinal disease that is provoked by enteroviruses. More than 60 varieties of pathogens of this pathology have been identified. They can be divided into four main groups. Most often, the development of the disease is caused by Coxsackie and polio viruses.

It is worth noting that enterovirus infection is extremely dangerous. Viruses are resistant to the external environment, do not die for a long time, even while in soil or water.

Infection occurs through contaminated water or unwashed and non-thermally processed food.

The last major outbreak of this disease occurred in China several years ago. Then more than 15 thousand children suffered, and 20 babies died. The disease was provoked by a dangerous enterovirus EV71. With the blood stream, it spreads throughout the human body and affects all organs, including the lungs and brain. Therefore, when making a diagnosis of an enterovirus infection, treatment should be taken very carefully.

Probable routes of infection

The causative agents of infection enter the body by airborne droplets, through contaminated water, dirty foods, or through contact with the patient and his household items.

A huge role in the prevention of this disease is played by the observance of sanitary and hygienic rules: washing hands, thermal processing of food and filtering drinking water.

Symptoms of enterovirus infection

The duration of the latent period of the disease depends on various factors. An important role is played by the type of pathogen and the state of the protective functions of a person.

At the end of the incubation period, the following symptoms may appear:

• increase in body temperature;
• headache;
• painful sensations in life;
• nausea;
• vomit.

Before the pathogens enter the blood, the symptoms of pathology may be mild or not manifest at all. But when the virus spreads throughout the body, the symptoms of intoxication become very pronounced:

• hyperthermia reaches values ​​of 39-40;
• a rash appears on the limbs;
• there are swelling of the hands and feet;
• ulcers appear in the mouth.

If a person ignores the manifestations of the disease and does not start treatment of the pathology on time, enterovirus infection can cause complications. These include:

• inflammation of the meninges;
• encephalitis;
• severe pulmonary edema.

These formidable diseases often lead to damage to the membranes of the brain and provoke paralysis or death of a person. They are especially dangerous for children of preschool and primary school age.

Recently, among the children’s population, doctors most often began to diagnose a small enterovirus infection. The symptoms of this disease are mild and are manifested by a slight rise in body temperature, pain in the joints. As a rule, these manifestations of the disease disappear on their own after a few days and do not require specific treatment.

How is the diagnosis made?

A person can be diagnosed with an enterovirus infection only by the results of the tests. For the duration of their implementation, doctors recommend isolating the sick person so that he does not infect others.

Since the infection is easily transmitted, a preventive examination is carried out for all contact persons. Any case of infection requires registration.

Treatment of enterovirus infection

There is no specific therapy for the disease. Mostly symptomatic treatment is practiced. In the acute period, doctors prescribe the patient a pastel regimen, vitamin therapy, enhanced nutrition.

If a sick person has vomiting or diarrhea, large amounts of fluids are required to avoid dehydration. Also recommended drugs such as Regidron, restoring the water-salt balance.

In the presence of high body temperature and severe pain in the head, antipyretic and analgesic drugs are indicated.

Antibacterial drugs for viral infections are used only to prevent secondary infections of a bacterial nature.

As for the diet, foods that cause fermentation and increased peristalsis are removed from the diet of a person suffering from an enterovirus infection. These include sweet foods, sodas, smoked sausages, baked goods, fresh fruits and vegetables. You should also avoid any dairy products.

All of these rules apply to both adults and young children.

How to avoid infection?

To avoid infection with an intestinal infection, you can strictly observe the rules of hygiene. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before eating, and cook food and thoroughly clean before eating.

One of the preventive measures is also the use of only clean and high-quality drinking water from proven and equipped sources.

See also:

• Phlebologist’s consultation in St. Petersburg
• Desarterization of hemorrhoids

symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment| JSC “Medicina” (clinic of Academician Roitberg)

Contents of the article

1. General information
2. Causes of clinical manifestations of enterovirus
3. Classification of pathology
4. Enterovirus symptoms
5. Complications of disease
6. Diagnosis of pathology
7. Treatment of enterovirus
8. Prognosis and prevention
9. Questions and answers
10. Sources

Enteroviruses is a group of pathogens of the Enterovirus genus that cause acute lesions of various organs and tissues. Enteroviral infections have a diverse clinical picture, which depends on the localization of the primary focus. Infection occurs mainly by food, a little less often by aerosol. The disease is accompanied by an increase in body temperature, fever, diarrhea, skin rashes. Infections may present as meningitis, myalgia, pancreatitis, nephritis, or eye lesions.

General information

The Enterovirus genus is represented by 33 different pathogens. All pathogens differ in small size (from 15 to 35 nanometers), resistance to ultra-low temperatures and disinfectants (weak solutions of alcohol and ether). Infectious agents excreted from the body with feces remain viable for six months.

Enterovirus pathogens affect mucous membranes, skin, muscle tissues and nerve fibers. Patients of all age groups are susceptible to the pathogen, but mass outbreaks are usually recorded in preschool educational institutions. Up to 80% of children experience at least one episode of enterovirus infection in the first five years of life.

Causes of clinical manifestations of enterovirus

The main way pathogens enter the body is food. Adults and children often consume vegetables and fruits contaminated with viruses. Pathogens are deposited on fruit surfaces through farmers’ use of wastewater and organic fertilizers.

Some strains of the virus are transmitted from carriers to healthy people by airborne droplets (during sneezing, coughing, talking). Infectious disease doctors are aware of cases of transmission of pathogens through household contact – through handshakes, the use of other people’s personal hygiene products, etc.

Adults and children are highly susceptible to enteroviruses. After recovery, patients develop specific immunity to a particular strain of the pathogen. In rare cases, a cross-immune response is produced.

Classification of pathology

Typical forms of the disease are harpangina, epidemic myalgia, exanthema, serous meningitis. Among the atypical forms of pathology are enteroviral uveitis, nephritis, pancreatitis, neonatal encephalomyocarditis, and mixed infections.

Symptoms of enterovirus

The incubation period against the background of infection with enterovirus lasts from 2 to 7 days. The clinical manifestations of the pathology are varied. Common signs of diseases caused by pathogens of the genus Enterovirus include:

• fever
• severe abdominal pain
• organism intoxication
• the appearance of a rash on the skin.

Acute onset of infection may be accompanied by an increase in body temperature up to 39-40 degrees. Patients experience headaches, suffer from bouts of nausea, diarrhea. The skin becomes pale and dry.

Complications of the disease

Enteroviral infections that occur in the form of meningitis or encephalomyocarditis of newborns may be complicated by cerebral edema, epileptoid seizures and mental disorders. With a severe course of the underlying disease, the likelihood of developing acute respiratory failure or pneumonia increases.

Diagnosis of pathology

The diagnosis is made by a pediatrician, internist or infectious disease specialist. The key diagnostic method is a blood test for antibodies to various strains of enterovirus. A fourfold excess of the titer confirms that the pathogen in question caused the development of an acute condition in the patient.

Treatment of enterovirus

Drug therapy against the background of enterovirus infection is designed to stop the main symptoms of the disease. Medicines prevent the further development of intoxication of the body, normalize the general condition and reduce the intensity of abdominal pain.

Severe course of infection, accompanied by damage to the nervous system, becomes an indication for the appointment of corticosteroids and diuretics. Their action will restore the water-electrolyte and acid-base balance.

Prognosis and prevention

In most cases, the disease is mild. Full recovery occurs within 1.5–2 weeks. A worsening of the prognosis is possible with the development of complications that affect the nervous system of a child or an adult. In this case, irreparable functional damage caused by impaired nerve conduction may occur.

Preventive measures are based on the observance of personal hygiene and sanitary standards, the inadmissibility of eating unwashed vegetables and fruits.

Questions and answers

• Which doctors treat enterovirus infection?
• Diagnosis and development of a course of treatment is carried out by a pediatrician, therapist or infectious disease specialist. In some cases, a child or adult may need to consult other doctors: an ophthalmologist, gastroenterologist, neurologist, etc.
• Is a chronic enterovirus infection possible?
• No, the pathology is always acute and is not prone to asymptomatic development for a long time.