Enteroviruses

Infections with enteroviruses are common in the United States during summer and fall. During that time in 2014, the United States experienced a nationwide outbreak of EV-D68 associated with severe respiratory illness. A total of 1,153 cases were confirmed in 49 states and the District of Columbia. Almost all confirmed cases were among children, many whom had asthma or a history of wheezing. CDC can’t predict whether EV-D68 will be a common type of enterovirus to cause sickness in future seasons because a mix of different enterovirus types circulates every year, and different types can be common in different years. But so far EV-D68 cases in years since 2014 have been reported more sporadically, which is considered typical.

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Key Facts

• Mild symptoms of enterovirus infection may include fever, runny nose, sneezing, cough, and body and muscle aches.
• Children with asthma are particularly at risk for severe symptoms from enterovirus infection.
• There is no specific treatment for enterovirus infections.
• The most important thing you can do to stay healthy is wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.

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Protect Your Family

Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. Also, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, and cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or shirt sleeve, not your hands.

Children with Asthma

Children with asthma are particularly at risk for severe symptoms from enterovirus infection. Discuss and update your child’s asthma action plan with his or her doctor.

Treating Enteroviruses

There is no treatment for enterovirus infections. Talk to your doctor about the best way to control symptoms.

Prevalence of EV-D68

While 2014 was a big year for EV-D68, CDC cannot predict whether EV-D68 will be a common type of enterovirus in future seasons.

Prevention Tips

• Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact, such as kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils, with people who are sick.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or shirt sleeve, not your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.
• Stay home when you are sick and keep sick children out of school.

More at CDC.gov