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Health Department

10/15/24 Public Health Education Topic: Enterovirus

Per CDC:

Non-polio enteroviruses cause about 10 to 15 million infections and tens of thousands of hospitalizations each year in the United States. Infections with non-polio enteroviruses are common during summer and fall.


Key points

  • Non-polio enterovirus infections are common, usually affecting infants, children, and teenagers.

  • Most people experience a mild illness with symptoms like the common cold, but some people can have serious complications.

  • To prevent spreading the virus, wash your hands often, clean and disinfect surfaces, and avoid close contact with others.


Signs and symptoms

Infants, children, and teenagers are more likely than adults to get infected and become sick. Adults can also become infected but are less likely to have symptoms, or symptoms may be milder.

Symptoms of mild illness may include:

  • Fever

  • Runny nose, sneezing, cough

  • Skin rash

  • Mouth blisters

  • Body and muscle aches


How it spreads

You can spread the virus for weeks!‎

Once infected, you can spread the virus (pass from your body into the environment or other people) for several weeks, even if you don't have symptoms.

Mothers who are breastfeeding should talk with their doctor if they are sick or think they may have an infection.

If someone is sick, the virus can be found in their:

  • Eye, nose, and mouth secretions, such as saliva, nasal mucus, or sputum

  • Fluid from blisters

  • Poop

You can get non-polio enterovirus from:

  • Close contact with an infected person, such as touching or shaking hands.

  • Touching objects or surfaces with the virus, then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

  • Changing diapers of an infected person and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

  • Drinking water that has the virus in it.


Prevention

Many people who get infected with non-polio enteroviruses do not have symptoms but can still spread the virus to other people. This makes it difficult to prevent them from spreading.

To help prevent catching or spreading non-polio enterovirus infections:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers, using the toilet, and coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and shared items.

  • Avoid close contact with an infected person, such touching or shaking hands.

There is no vaccine to protect you from non-polio enterovirus infection.




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