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Enterovirus Infections - Treatment and Prevention
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Hospitalization is carried out according to clinical indications. There is no etiotropic treatment for enterovirus infections. Detoxification treatment for enterovirus infections is carried out. In case of meningitis and meningoencephalitis, dehydration treatment for enterovirus infections is prescribed using saluretics (furosemide, acetazolamide), in severe cases, dexamethasone is used at 0.25 mg / kg per day for 2-4 days. Treatment of enterovirus infections is based on the administration of human leukocyte interferon, ribonuclease, however, there is no data on their effectiveness obtained by evidence-based medicine methods. Pentoxifylline, solcoseryl, vinpocetine are used to improve the rheological properties of blood and vascular tone. Desensitizing drugs are indicated. In epidemic myalgia, analgesics are used to relieve pain. Treatment of patients with poliomyelitis-like forms is carried out in the same way as for patients with poliomyelitis, and patients with enterovirus myocarditis are prescribed cardioprotectors.
Approximate periods of incapacity for work
The period of disability depends on the clinical form of infection. Inpatient treatment for serous meningitis lasts up to 3 weeks. Patients are discharged after complete clinical recovery and sanitation of the cerebrospinal fluid.
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Outpatient observation
There is no regulation for follow-up observation of individuals who have had an enterovirus infection. The period of observation of patients is determined individually. In case of cardiovascular and central nervous system lesions, follow-up observation is required for at least 6 months.
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What should the patient know?
Recommendations are given individually and usually include:
- balanced diet;
- prevention of hypothermia, insolation and other stressful conditions;
- limitation of significant physical activity:
- after meningitis, meningoencephalitis - avoid flying, staying in highlands, scuba diving for a year. Vaccinations (except for emergency ones, such as against rabies), insolation. It is advisable to limit salt intake.
How is enterovirus infection prevented?
Specific prevention of enterovirus infections
Specific prevention of enterovirus infections has not been developed.
Non-specific prophylaxis of enterovirus infections
Enterovirus infection is prevented by administering human immunoglobulin at a rate of 0.3-0.5 ml/kg to children under 3 years of age who have been in contact with patients, and leukocyte interferon is also instilled into the nose for 7 days, 5 drops 3 times a day. Preventive and anti-epidemic measures are taken in the epidemiological focus. Patients are isolated for 14 days: wet cleaning of premises is carried out using disinfectants (0.1% hydrochloric acid solution, 0.3% formaldehyde solution). Quarantine is established in children's institutions for 14 days. Employees of maternity hospitals and children's institutions who have been in contact with patients are transferred to other work for 14 days.