Enterovirus Infection

Enteroviruses are a group of viruses that include polioviruses, coxsackieviruses, echoviruses, and enteroviruses. They are highly contagious and can cause a range of illnesses, from mild to severe.

Causes and Risk Factors

Enterovirus infections are caused by the enterovirus virus, which is spread through:

• Fecal-oral contact: touching contaminated surfaces or objects and then touching one's mouth
• Respiratory droplets: coughing, sneezing, or talking
• Contaminated food and water
• Direct contact with an infected person

Risk factors for enterovirus infections include:

• Age: children under 5 years old are more susceptible to severe illness
• Weakened immune system: people with compromised immune systems, such as those with cancer or HIV/AIDS, are more likely to develop severe illness
• Poor hygiene and sanitation

Symptoms

Enterovirus infections can cause a range of symptoms, including:

• Mild symptoms:
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Sore throat
  • Rash
• Severe symptoms:
  • Meningitis (inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord)
  • Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
  • Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle)
  • Pneumonia
  • Sepsis (blood infection)

Diagnosis

Enterovirus infections are typically diagnosed through:

• Viral culture: a sample of stool, throat, or cerebrospinal fluid is sent to a laboratory for testing
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test: a sample of stool, throat, or cerebrospinal fluid is sent to a laboratory for testing
• Serology tests: blood tests that detect the presence of antibodies against enteroviruses

Treatment and Prevention

Treatment for enterovirus infections typically involves:

• Supportive care: rest, hydration, and pain management
• Antiviral medications: in severe cases, antiviral medications such as pleconaril may be prescribed

Prevention measures include:

• Practicing good hygiene: washing hands frequently with soap and water
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
• Avoiding touching one's eyes, nose, and mouth
• Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects regularly
• Staying up to date on vaccinations: the inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) can help prevent polio, which is caused by an enterovirus

Complications

Enterovirus infections can lead to complications such as:

• Respiratory failure
• Cardiac problems: myocarditis or pericarditis (inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart)
• Neurological problems: meningitis, encephalitis, or paralysis
• Sepsis

Epidemiology

Enterovirus infections are common worldwide and can occur at any time of the year. However, they tend to peak in the summer and fall months.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), enteroviruses are responsible for:

• Approximately 10-15 million cases of illness each year
• Thousands of hospitalizations and deaths worldwide