Non-polio enteroviruses are common viruses that cause approximately 10-15 million infections in the United States every year. Most people who get infected do not get sick, or have mild illness, like the common cold, or hand, foot and mouth disease (with mouth blisters). But some people can have more serious complications, such as meningitis (infection of the covering of the spinal cord and/or brain), encephalitis (infection of the brain), myocarditis (infection of the heart), or acute flaccid paralysis (sudden onset of weakness in one or more arms or legs).
Enterovirus infections are generally NOT reportable in Orange County, unless associated with aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, acute flaccid myelitis or outbreaks (which should be reported by phone (714-834-8180) or fax or fax (714-560-4050) to OCHCA Epidemiology). However, OCHCA Epidemiology may be interested in enterovirus positive specimens from laboratories as part of the state enhanced surveillance. Facilities and providers are encouraged to contact Epidemiology to arrange.
For more information, see the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website https://www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/index.html.
For more information about enterovirus D68, see Enterovirus D68
For information about acute flaccid myelitis, see http://www.ochealthinfo.com/phs/about/dcepi/epi/azdiseases/acute_flaccid_myelitis_(afm)
Last reviewed December 3, 2018
