Enterovirus in children
8-minute read
Key facts
- Most enterovirus infections have no symptoms or mild symptoms.
- There are some types of enterovirus infections that cause serious illnesses.
- Enterovirus infections are more common in the summer and autumn months.
- Your child is most likely to catch an enterovirus from someone else’s infected saliva, mucus or faeces (poo).
- Good hygiene can help decrease the spread of enterovirus infections.
What is an enterovirus?
Enterovirus is the name given to a group of viruses. These viruses are very common and there are many different types.
Each year the mixture of enteroviruses strains circulating (spreading through the population) changes. Some enterovirus strains cause hand, foot and mouth disease or viral conjunctivitis.
Enterovirus infections are more common in the summer and autumn months.
Infants, children and teenagers are most likely to become infected and get ill. Young babies are more likely to get severe disease.
Sometimes, enterovirus infections can cause serious illnesses. Such as:
- enterovirus 71 (EV-71)
- enterovirus D68 (EV-D68)
- human parechovirus (HPeV)
- polio
What symptoms are related to enterovirus in children??
If you, your child or someone else is having trouble breathing, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
Most enterovirus infections have no symptoms or cause only mild symptoms. These include:
- fever
- runny nose
- cough
- rash
- ulcers or blisters in the mouth
- muscle aches
These symptoms might come and go quickly, without you needing to do anything about them.
Certain types of enteroviruses cause more severe illness. Symptoms of more serious infection are having a fever (a temperature of 38°C or higher) and any of the following:
- abnormal or jerky movements, particularly in sleep
- very irritable
- very tired
- unsteady when walking or muscle weakness
- rapid breathing
- fevernot passing urine (weeing)
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
What causes enterovirus in children?
Enteroviruses are a group of viruses that can cause infectious disease.
How are enteroviruses spread?
Your child is most likely to catch an enterovirus from someone else’s infected:
- saliva
- mucus
- faeces (poo)
- the fluid from blister from people with hand, foot and mouth disease
Your child might also become infected if they touch toys or surfaces that have the virus on them. And then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
The virus can also be spread by touching the hands of an infected person. And then touching the eyes, nose or mouth.
When should I see my doctor?
If you are worried about your child’s symptoms, it’s a good idea to see a doctor.
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
How is enterovirus diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask you about your child’s symptoms. They may arrange tests, such as:
- blood tests
- nose and throat swabs
- stool tests
- a lumbar puncture
These can help identify the type of enterovirus making your child sick.
How is enterovirus in children treated?
There is no specific treatment for an enterovirus infection. Most infected children get better on their own.
You can give your child medicines such as paracetamol and ibuprofen to help with symptoms such as pain or fever.
It’s important to make sure that you give your child the correct dose of pain medicine If your child needs pain killers for more than 48 hours, they should see a doctor.
Read the instructions on the pack carefully, as the amount your baby needs will depend on:
- your baby’s age
- your baby’s weight
- the strength of the medicine
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
It’s important that your child stays hydrated and drinks plenty of fluids. Depending on their age, this may be:
- breast milk
- formula milk
- water
- oral rehydration solution or icy poles
Avoid offering drinks that contain a lot of sugar.
Sometimes, enterovirus illness can be bad enough to need treatment in hospital.
What are the complications of an enterovirus?
Infants and children with weakened immune systems are more likely to have complications. Some infections can cause:
- inflammatory muscle disease
- myocarditis (infection of the heart)
- pericarditis (infection of the membrane around your heart)
- sepsis
- viral conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- viral encephalitis (brain infection)
- viral meningitis (infection of the membrane around your brain)
How can I prevent my child from catching an enterovirus?
Good hygiene is the best protection from enteroviruses.
You can lower the chance of your child becoming infected by washing their hands:
- after toileting or changing nappies
- before eating
- after wiping their nose
Teach your child to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue or their arm when they cough or sneeze.
You should also teach your child to avoid sharing:
- cups
- cutlery
- towels or face washers
- toothbrushes
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as nappy-changing tables. Also, clean toys and other objects that may be contaminated.
If your child does become sick, keep them away from childcare or school to stop them spreading the infection.
If you are sick and caring for a small baby, wash your hands before touching or feeding your baby.
Polio can be prevented by vaccination.
Resources and support
Talk to your doctor or child health nurse if you have questions about enterovirus in children.
The Health Translation site has information on hand, foot and mouth disease in languages other than English.
Read more about common childhood illnesses that have a school exclusion period.
Speak to a maternal child health nurse
Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: September 2024
