Overview
Enterovirus infections are common viral illnesses affecting children worldwide, including South Korea. These viruses can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild febrile illness to more serious conditions like hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), viral meningitis, or myocarditis. South Korea has advanced pediatric care and public health measures to manage and prevent outbreaks effectively.
What is Enterovirus?
Enteroviruses are a group of RNA viruses that primarily infect the gastrointestinal tract but can spread to other organs. In children, infection is most frequent during summer and early autumn. Most cases are mild, but infants and immunocompromised children may experience severe complications.
Symptoms
- Fever
- Rash on hands, feet, or buttocks (common in HFMD)
- Mouth sores or ulcers
- Fatigue and irritability
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle pain
- Respiratory symptoms like runny nose or cough in some cases
- Severe cases: stiff neck, neurological symptoms, or breathing difficulties
Causes
Enterovirus infection is caused by direct contact with:
- Contaminated hands, surfaces, or objects
- Respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing
- Fecal-oral transmission (poor hand hygiene)
Risk Factors
- Children under 5 years old (most susceptible)
- Attendance at daycare or school with other children
- Weakened immune system
- Seasonal prevalence (summer and early autumn)
Complications
- Viral meningitis or encephalitis
- Myocarditis or pericarditis
- Severe dehydration due to vomiting
- Neurological complications in rare cases
- Secondary bacterial infections
Prevention
- Frequent handwashing with soap and water
- Avoid close contact with infected individuals
- Proper disinfection of toys and surfaces in schools and daycare centers
- Ensure children stay home during illness
- Encourage respiratory hygiene (covering coughs and sneezes)
Treatment Options in Korea
South Korea provides comprehensive pediatric care for enterovirus infections:
- Medical Consultation & Diagnosis
- Pediatric clinics and hospitals provide viral testing through throat swabs, stool samples, or blood tests.
- Rapid assessment for neurological or cardiac involvement in severe cases.
- Symptomatic Treatment
- Fever management with acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Hydration and electrolyte support for vomiting or diarrhea
- Topical treatments for mouth sores
- Hospitalization (if severe)
- Intravenous fluids for dehydration
- Oxygen support for respiratory distress
- Monitoring and treatment for meningitis or myocarditis
- Public Health Measures
- Reporting and monitoring outbreaks in schools and daycare centers
- Education programs for parents and caregivers on hygiene practices
- Follow-Up Care
- Monitoring for complications post-infection
- Guidance on returning to school and preventive measures for siblings
