Enterovirus infection with severe complications

Non-polio enteroviruses are common viral agents capable of producing either mild disease or severe complications, forming the basis of this severe-complication surveillance entity ^[1]. No vaccine currently exists for protection against non-polio enterovirus infection ^[1].

Affected individuals may present with fever, respiratory symptoms, rash, mouth blisters, and muscle aches ^[1]. Severe manifestations can include viral meningitis, encephalitis, myocarditis, pericarditis, acute flaccid paralysis, or severe neonatal sepsis ^[1].

CDC estimates 10 to 15 million non-polio enterovirus infections and tens of thousands of hospitalizations annually in the United States ^[1]. Infections peak in summer and fall, and a mix of enterovirus types circulates each year with different types predominating in different years ^[1]. Infants, children, and immunocompromised people experience greater complication risk ^[1].

The virus can be shed for weeks via respiratory or oral secretions, blister fluid, and stool ^[1]. Spread occurs through close contact, contaminated surfaces, diaper changing, or contaminated drinking water ^[1].

Hand washing with soap and water and routine cleaning and disinfection of shared surfaces are recommended measures ^[1]. Avoiding close contact with infected persons helps limit spread, though asymptomatic infected people can still transmit the virus, complicating control ^[1]. No vaccine is available to protect against non-polio enterovirus infection ^[1].

1. 1 US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Non-Polio Enteroviruses | Non-Polio Enterovirus | CDC [Internet]. cited 23 Oct 2026. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/about/index.html