The best way to prevent infection with enterovirus, as well as other viruses, is by simple hygiene measures such as hand washing especially after changing nappies, going to the toilet or blowing your nose.
Most viral infections in babies are mild, but if you are concerned your baby is unwell please seek medical attention.
Enterovirus infection is a very common seasonal childhood illness, and causes the usually mild infections that are often picked up in childhood such as hand foot and mouth disease.
In some rare cases, such as in very young babies under one month old, enteroviruses can cause severe infection, such as myocarditis, viral meningitis or sepsis.
The individual risk from transmission of enterovirus is very low, and the severe myocarditis cases have been in babies under one month old. Prevention of transmission to other individuals in a household or ward is through usual hygiene measures such as hand washing, hygienic disposal of nappies and regular cleaning of touch points and surfaces.