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Enterovirus infections are very common. Most people do not experience illness after becoming infected. However, those who do become ill typically develop symptoms between three and six days after infection. In many cases, these symptoms resemble those of a mild cold or a stronger flu-like illness.

Fever is the most common symptom of infection with nonpolio enteroviruses. Other symptoms may include:

• Achy muscles
• Headache
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rash
• Sore throat

Symptoms typically last for three or four days, with most cases resolving within one week.

Several illnesses are associated with nonpolio enterovirus infections. They include:

• Herpangina. Infection of the throat that causes red-ringed blisters and ulcers of the tonsils and soft palate. It is typically associated with coxsackie A enteroviruses.
  
  
• Hand, foot and mouth disease. Common viral illness of children that causes painful red blisters on the throat or tongue, gums, the inside cheeks, palms of the hand and soles of the feet. It is typically associated with coxsackie A enteroviruses.
  
  
• Pleurodynia. Infection that causes painful spasms of the muscles in the chest and upper abdomen. It is typically associated with coxsackie B enteroviruses.
  
  
• Heart inflammation. Inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis) and the fluid-filled sac surrounding the heart (pericarditis). These conditions can cause fever, chest pain, shortness of breath and fatigue. It is estimated that enteroviruses cause up to one-third of all cases of myocarditis. It is typically associated with coxsackie B enteroviruses.
  
  
• Viral meningitis. Inflammation of the meninges, the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, which may cause fever and chills, severe headache, changed mental status and other symptoms. The vast majority of cases of viral meningitis in children and young adults in which a cause can be identified are attributed to enteroviruses.
  
  
• Acute gastroenteritis. Inflammation of the stomach and intestines that cause diarrhea and vomiting. Often called the “stomach flu.”
  
  
• Viral pharyngitis. Inflammation of the pharynx, the part of the throat between the tonsils and the larynx (voice box). It causes a sore throat.
  
  
• Pneumonia. Inflammation of the lungs that causes fever, sharp or stabbing chest pains, cough, green or yellow mucus and other symptoms.
  
  
• Hemorrhagic conjunctivitis. Infection of the whites of the eyes.
  
  
• Encephalitis. Inflammation of the brain that cause many symptoms, including fever, vomiting, confusion and unsteady gait.