🦠 Enteroviruses
Enteroviruses are a group of viruses that typically affect the gastrointestinal tract but can spread to other parts of the body. They are most common in children and spread easily, especially in late summer and early fall.
🧬 Common Types:
- Coxsackieviruses (e.g., hand-foot-and-mouth disease)
- Echoviruses
- Enterovirus D68 (linked to respiratory illness)
- Poliovirus (causes poliomyelitis – now rare due to vaccination)
🦠 How They Spread:
- Fecal-oral route (contaminated hands, water, or surfaces)
- Respiratory droplets (coughing, sneezing)
- Close contact with infected people
🩺 Symptoms:
Often mild or flu-like:
- Fever
- Runny nose, sore throat
- Cough
- Muscle aches
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Skin rashes or mouth sores
Severe cases (rare):
- Meningitis (viral)
- Encephalitis (brain inflammation)
- Paralysis (e.g., from polio or enterovirus D68)
- Myocarditis (heart inflammation)
🔍 Diagnosis:
- Clinical exam and history
- PCR tests from throat swab, stool, or cerebrospinal fluid
- Blood tests in severe cases
💊 Treatment:
- No specific antiviral treatment for most enteroviruses
- Supportive care: rest, fluids, fever control
- Hospital care for complications like meningitis or breathing difficulties
🛡️ Prevention:
- Handwashing with soap and water
- Avoid close contact with infected people
- Clean and disinfect surfaces
- Polio vaccination for prevention of poliovirus