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In diagnosing an enterovirus infection, a physician performs a complete physical examination and compiles a thorough medical history. Seasonal outbreaks of infections may also provide the physician with the likely diagnosis. The nature of the virus itself can be determined through various types of tests, including cultures from the throat, stool or rectum or from spinal fluid. More involved diagnostic procedures may be used, including imaging tests such as echocardiograms of the heart, electrocardiograms (EKG) to diagnos pericarditis and myocarditis, and chest x-rays to diagnose pneumonia.

In most cases, there is no standard treatment for an enterovirus infection. Patients are urged to get plenty of rest and to drink fluids regularly while waiting for the virus to pass from the body. Fever reducer and pain reliever medications also may help relieve symptoms. However, patients should not take any medications, including over-the-counter varieties, without first consulting a physician.  Children and teens should not take medications that contain aspirin for symptoms related to a viral illness. Aspirin used after a viral infection can cause Reye syndrome, a rare but sometimes fatal condition.

Patients with less severe illnesses usually recover completely. However, infections of organs such as the liver or the heart may be fatal.