Pediatric enteroviruses
Enteroviruses are viruses that are contagious and can cause a typically mild infection.
What are pediatric enteroviruses?
Enteroviruses spread from person-to-person, causing a variety of infectious illnesses that are usually mild. When an enterovirus affects the central nervous system, however, it can be more serious. An enterovirus can also affect the spleen, liver, bone marrow, skin or heart.
Risk factors
Children with asthma are at an increased risk of infection.
What are the different types of pediatric enteroviruses?
Some of the types of infections caused by enteroviruses include:
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Hand, foot and mouth disease (contagious infection that causes sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet)
- Meningitis (swelling of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord)
- Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart)
- Pericarditis (inflammation of the membrane that surrounds the heart)
- Respiratory infections, including the common cold
- Spastic paralysis (spasms and reflex problems due to damage to the central nervous system)
What are the signs and symptoms of pediatric enteroviruses?
- Body and muscle aching
- Cough
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
What are the causes of pediatric enteroviruses?
Enteroviruses are contagious and spread by being in close proximity to someone who has the virus. They can spread by coming into physical contact with someone with an enterovirus or through droplets in the air – such as through coughing or sneezing.