11/3/2026 Public Health Education Topic: Enterovirus
Per CDC
Key points
Non-polio enterovirus infections are common, usually affecting infants, children, and teenagers.
Most people experience a mild illness with symptoms like the common cold, but some people can have serious complications.
To prevent spreading the virus, wash your hands often, clean and disinfect surfaces, and avoid close contact with others.
Signs and symptoms
Infants, children, and teenagers are more likely than adults to get infected and become sick. Adults can also become infected but are less likely to have symptoms, or symptoms may be milder.
Symptoms of mild illness may include:
Fever
Runny nose, sneezing, cough
Skin rash
Mouth blisters
Body and muscle aches
How it spreads
If someone is sick, the virus can be found in their:
Eye, nose, and mouth secretions, such as saliva, nasal mucus, or sputum
Fluid from blisters
Poop
You can get non-polio enterovirus from:
Close contact with an infected person, such as touching or shaking hands.
Touching objects or surfaces with the virus, then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Changing diapers of an infected person and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Drinking water that has the virus in it.
Prevention
Many people who get infected with non-polio enteroviruses do not have symptoms but can still spread the virus to other people. This makes it difficult to prevent them from spreading.
To help prevent catching or spreading non-polio enterovirus infections:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers, using the toilet, and coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and shared items.
Avoid close contact with an infected person, such touching or shaking hands.
There is no vaccine to protect you from non-polio enterovirus infection.
To learn more please visit: About Non-Polio Enteroviruses | Non-Polio Enterovirus | CDC
