As temperatures rise through the summer months, certain viral illnesses become more common among children — and enterovirus is one of the most frequent. Infection rates tend to climb during summer and early autumn, largely because the virus spreads so easily between children in nurseries, schools, summer camps, clubs, and swimming pools.
The good news is that most cases are mild and resolve on their own, and simple everyday habits can go a long way toward limiting the spread. Here, Dr. Enas Shamaa, Specialist Paediatrician at Fakeeh University Hospital in Dubai, explains what parents need to know.
Enterovirus isn't a single virus but a large family of more than 100 different types, including the Coxsackie and Echo viruses. Infections can range from very mild symptoms to, in rare cases, more serious complications.
Because there are so many different strains, children can catch enterovirus more than once one of the reasons it circulates so widely, particularly in the warmer months.
Children especially those under the age of ten are the most susceptible to enterovirus. This is largely because they haven't yet built up immunity against the many different types of the virus. Combined with close contact in shared spaces like classrooms and pools, this makes children the group most likely to catch and pass on the infection.
Enterovirus is highly contagious and can spread in several ways:
The incubation period is usually between three and six days. Importantly, some children may be infected without showing any clear symptoms yet can still pass the virus on to others.
The most common symptoms of enterovirus include:
These may also be accompanied by digestive symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Some types of enterovirus cause hand, foot and mouth disease, which is characterised by blisters or ulcers inside the mouth and on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. These sores can make it painful for a child to eat or drink — which, in turn, increases the risk of dehydration. Keeping your child comfortable and well hydrated is especially important if these symptoms appear.
The reassuring news is that most enterovirus infections improve on their own within 7 to 10 days. Treatment focuses on supporting your child's recovery through:
Dr. Shamaa emphasises an important point: antibiotics do not treat enterovirus, because it is a viral illness. Antibiotics are only used when a doctor identifies an accompanying bacterial infection.
Dehydration is one of the most significant potential complications, particularly in younger children. Watch for these warning signs:
While uncommon, more serious complications can occur in rare cases, including viral meningitis, myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
Most children recover at home with rest and fluids. However, Dr. Shamaa advises seeking medical attention if your child experiences any of the following:
According to Dr. Enas Shamaa,Specialist Paediatrician at Fakeeh Medicentres, prevention remains the single most effective way to limit the spread of enterovirus. Simple habits make a real difference:
She also highlights the importance of choosing swimming pools that follow proper disinfection standards, and not allowing sick children to swim. Throughout any illness, providing plenty of fluids and good nutrition helps support recovery and reduce the risk of complications.
Summer illnesses are a normal part of childhood but you don't have to navigate them alone. If your child is showing symptoms of enterovirus, or you'd simply like the reassurance of expert advice, our pediatric team at Fakeeh Medicentres is here to help.
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