Enterovirus (Non-poliovirus)
(Group A and B Coxsackieviruses, Echoviruses, and Enteroviruses)
Non-polio enteroviruses are common viruses that are responsible for many illnesses. People infected with enteroviruses who do experience symptoms can have respiratory, rash-like, neurologic, gastrointestinal, and/or cardiac symptoms.
Transmission
Most people do not become ill or have very mild illness, but Infants, children, and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk. Non-polio enteroviruses can be found in an infected person’s nose and mouth secretions, feces, blister fluid, and eyes. It is spread person-to-person by
- Person to person through close contact with an infected person. o Transmission of the virus from mothers to their infants during pregnancy may occur.
- Environment to person by touching objects or surfaces or during changing diapers of an infected person
- Contaminated Drinking water. Consuming water that has the virus in it.
The virus can be shed in the stool of infected people for several weeks after onset of infection. Shedding through respiratory droplets is usually limited to about one week. The virus can be passed to others even if the infected person shows no signs of illness. Previous infection with non-polio enteroviruses does not make a person immune to being re-infected.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually appear three to six days after exposure.
- Mild illness symptoms resemble those of the common cold and include:
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Skin rash
- Mouth blisters
- Body and muscle aches
- Gastrointestinal symptoms may include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Hepatitis
- Other symptoms- may include:
- Rash
- Eye infection (Acute eye infections may occur 24 to 72 hours after exposure)
- Cardiac and neurologic symptoms (in more severe instances)
- Sepsis in newborns may occur
Diagnosis
Depending on what type of enterovirus you have, a laboratory test of throat or stool samples, and possibly blood and urine if taken during early onset of the disease, can determine if the virus is present.
Treatment
- No specific treatment available.
- People with mild illness should stay hydrated and may take over-the-counter cold medication.
- Most people will recover completely.
- Some individuals, such as those with weakened immune systems, and infants may receive immune globulin intravenous treatment.
For more information about the treatment of Non-Poliovirus Enteroviruses contact your health care provider or visit Enterovirus (Non-Polio) | CDC.
Prevention
- Wash hands with soap and water, especially after diaper changing.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
Exclusion Guidance
Individuals infected with a Non-Poliovirus Enterovirus should not be excluded from work, school, or child care unless the general exclusions apply.