Causes of non-polio enterovirus infections
Explore the causes of non-polio enterovirus infections, how they are spread and where they are found.
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What causes non-polio enterovirus infections?
There are more than 100 different types of non-polio enteroviruses that cause illness. These viruses are related to some common cold viruses.
The most common non-polio enteroviruses can cause:
- hand, foot and mouth disease
- conjunctivitis (pink eye)
Sometimes, non-polio enteroviruses can also cause diarrhea and breathing problems.
How are non-polio enteroviruses spread?
The viruses spread from person to person. You can get sick by:
- coming into contact with an infected person's feces, such as when you change a baby's diaper
- eating food or drinking water that is contaminated with infected feces
- being around infected people
- having someone cough or sneeze on you
- touching a surface that has a virus on it, such as a doorknob
- touching parts of your face after being exposed to a virus, such as your eyes and nose