Enterovirus 68 (patient information)
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Enterovirus 68 |
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Enterovirus 68 On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: João André Alves Silva, M.D. [2] Alejandro Lemor, M.D. [3]
Overview
Enterovirus 68, or HEV-D68 is a non-polio enterovirus. Non-polio enteroviruses are very common viruses. They cause about 10 to 15 million infections in the United States each year. Most people who get infected with non-polio enteroviruses do not get sick. Or, they may have mild illness, like the common cold. You can get infected with non-polio enteroviruses by having close contact with an infected person. You can also get infected by touching objects or surfaces that have the virus on them then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
In the United States, people are more likely to get infected with non-polio enteroviruses in the summer and fall.
What are the Symptoms of Enterovirus 68?
- Most people who are infected with non-polio enteroviruses do not get sick, or they only have mild illness. Symptoms of mild illness may include:
- Some Non-Polio enterovirus infections can cause:
- Viral conjunctivitis
- Hand-foot-and-mouth disease
- Viral meningitis (infection of the covering of the spinal cord and/or brain)
- Less commonly, a person may develop:
- Myocarditis (infection of the heart)
- Pericarditis (infection of the sac around the heart)
- Encephalitis (infection of the brain)
- Paralysis
What are the Causes of Enterovirus 68?
Enterovirus 68, or HEV-D68, is a non-polio virus.
Non-polio enterovirus can be shed (passed from a person's body into the environment) in your stool for several weeks or longer after you have been infected.
- The virus can be shed from your respiratory tract for 1 to 3 weeks or less
- Infected people can shed the virus even if they don't have symptoms
Transmission
Non-polio enteroviruses can be found in an infected person's:
- Feces (stool)
- Eyes, nose, and mouth secretions (such as saliva, nasal mucus, or sputum)
- Blister fluid
You can get exposed to the virus by:
- Having close contact, such as touching or shaking hands, with an infected person
- Touching objects or surfaces that have the virus on them
- Changing diapers of an infected person
- Drinking water that has the virus in it
If you then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth before washing your hands, you can get infected with the virus and become sick.
Who is at Highest Risk?
Anyone can get infected with non-polio enteroviruses. But infants, children, and teenagers are more likely to get infected and become sick. That's because they do not yet have immunity (protection) from previous exposures to the viruses.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Care?
Diagnosis
Infection with non-polio enteroviruses can be confirmed by isolating or identifying the virus
- Cell culture
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay
Non-polio enteroviruses can be detected in stool or rectal swabs and respiratory specimens (including from the throat). Depending on the symptoms other specimen types, such as cerebrospinal fluid, blister fluid, and blood, can be collected for testing.
A positive laboratory test for non-polio enteroviruses from certain specimens, such as rectal or respiratory swab, does not necessarily mean the virus is the cause of infection. Non-polio enteroviruses can be shed for an extended period of time after the symptoms have resolved.
Treatment Options
There is no specific treatment for Non-polio enterovirus infection. People with mild illness caused by Non-polio enterovirus infection typically only need symptom treatment. They usually recover completely. However, some illnesses caused by non-polio enteroviruses, such as viral meningitis, can be severe enough to require hospitalization.
If you are concerned about your symptoms, you should contact your health care provider.
Where to Find Medical Care for Enterovirus 68?
What to Expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
- People who develop myocarditis may have heart failure and require long term care. Some people who develop encephalitis or paralysis may not fully recover.
- Newborns infected with non-polio enterovirus may develop sepsis (infection of the blood and other organs). But this is very rare.
- Non-polio enterovirus infections may play a role in the development of type 1 diabetes in children.
Pregnant Women
Most pregnant women will likely be exposed to someone who is infected, especially in the summer and fall. Pregnant women have a greater chance of being infected if they do not have immunity (protection) from previous exposures to non-polio enteroviruses. However, most pregnant women who become infected will not get sick, or they will only have mild illness.
Currently, there is no clear evidence that pregnant women with Non-polio enterovirus infections will have severe complications, like miscarriage, stillbirth, or congenital defects. But, if a pregnant woman is infected shortly before delivery, she can pass the virus to her baby. These babies usually have only mild illness. In rare cases, they may have severe infection.
Possible Complications
Some people can get very sick and have infection of their heart or brain or even become paralyzed. Infants and people with weakened immune systems have a greater chance of having these complications.
Prevention
There is no vaccine to protect you from Non-polio enterovirus infection.
Since many infected people do not have symptoms, it is difficult to prevent non-polio enteroviruses from spreading.
You can help protect yourself and others from non-polio enterovirus infections by:
- Washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and changing diapers
- Avoiding close contact, such as touching and shaking hands, with people who are sick
- Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces
Mothers who are breastfeeding should talk with their doctor if they are sick or think they may have an infection.