Enterovirus in children
8-minute read
Key facts
- Most enterovirus infections have no symptoms or mild symptoms.
- There are some types of enterovirus infections that cause serious illnesses.
- Enterovirus infections are more common in the summer and autumn months.
- Your child is most likely to catch an enterovirus from someone else鈥檚 infected saliva, mucus or faeces (poo).
- Good hygiene can help decrease the spread of enterovirus infections.
What is an enterovirus?
Enterovirus is the name given to a group of . These viruses are very common and there are many different types.
Each year the mixture of enteroviruses strains circulating (spreading through the population) changes. Some enterovirus strains cause or viral .
Enterovirus infections are more common in the summer and autumn months.
Infants, children and teenagers are most likely to become infected and get ill. Young babies are more likely to get severe disease.
Sometimes, enterovirus infections can cause serious illnesses. Such as:
- enterovirus 71 (EV-71)
- enterovirus D68 (EV-D68)
- human (HPeV)
What symptoms are related to enterovirus in children??
If you, your child or someone else is having trouble breathing, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
Most enterovirus infections have no symptoms or cause only mild symptoms. These include:
- or blisters in the mouth
These symptoms might come and go quickly, without you needing to do anything about them.
Certain types of enteroviruses cause more severe illness. Symptoms of more serious infection are having a fever (a temperature of 38掳C or higher) and any of the following:
- abnormal or jerky movements, particularly in sleep
- very
- very
- unsteady when walking or muscle weakness
- not passing urine (weeing)
What causes enterovirus in children?
Enteroviruses are a group of viruses that can cause infectious disease.
How are enteroviruses spread?
Your child is most likely to catch an enterovirus from someone else鈥檚 infected:
- saliva
- mucus
- faeces (poo)
- the fluid from blister from people with hand, foot and mouth disease
Your child might also become infected if they touch toys or surfaces that have the virus on them. And then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
The virus can also be spread by touching the hands of an infected person. And then touching the eyes, nose or mouth.
When should I see my doctor?
If you are worried about your child鈥檚 symptoms, it鈥檚 a good idea to see a doctor.
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
How is enterovirus diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask you about your child鈥檚 symptoms. They may arrange tests, such as:
- nose and throat swabs
- a
These can help identify the type of enterovirus making your child sick.
How is enterovirus in children treated?
There is no specific treatment for an enterovirus infection. Most infected children get better on their own.
You can give your child medicines such as and to help with symptoms such as pain or fever.
It鈥檚 important to make sure that you give your child the correct dose of pain medicine If your child needs pain killers for more than 48 hours, they should see a doctor.
on the pack carefully, as the amount your baby needs will depend on:
- your baby鈥檚 age
- your baby鈥檚 weight
- the strength of the medicine
Ask your or for advice.
It鈥檚 important that your child stays hydrated and drinks plenty of fluids. Depending on their age, this may be:
- breast milk
- formula milk
- water
- oral rehydration solution or icy poles
Avoid offering drinks that contain a lot of .
Sometimes, enterovirus illness can be bad enough to need treatment in hospital.
What are the complications of an enterovirus?
Infants and children with weakened immune systems are more likely to have complications. Some infections can cause:
- inflammatory muscle disease
- myocarditis (infection of the heart)
- (infection of the membrane around your heart)
- viral (pink eye)
- viral (brain infection)
- viral (infection of the membrane around your brain)
How can I prevent my child from catching an enterovirus?
is the best protection from enteroviruses.
You can lower the chance of your child becoming infected by washing their hands:
- after toileting or changing nappies
- before eating
- after wiping their nose
Teach your child to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue or their arm when they cough or sneeze.
You should also teach your child to avoid sharing:
- cups
- cutlery
- towels or face washers
- toothbrushes
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as nappy-changing tables. Also, clean toys and other objects that may be contaminated.
If your child does become sick, to stop them .
If you are sick and caring for a small baby, wash your hands before touching or feeding your baby.
Polio can be prevented by vaccination.
Resources and support
Talk to your or child health nurse if you have questions about enterovirus in children.
The Health Translation site has information on .
Read more about common childhood illnesses that have a .
Speak to a maternal child health nurse
Call 糖心出品, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: September 2024