Enterovirus infections are a large group of diseases caused by intestinal viruses (enteroviruses). These viruses have many different types, and every year more and more new representatives are being opened. The incidence is characterized by summer-autumn seasonality, with the peak of infection occurring in July-August. In recent times, large outbreaks of disease have been observed all over the world (mainly among children). Recommendations for the prevention of enterovirus infection will help prevent the dangerous consequences that this disease threatens.
How is the enterovirus infection transmitted?
There are two transmission mechanisms - airborne (when coughing, sneezing, talking) and fecal-oral (food, water, contact-household). The "entrance gates" of the infection are the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract and digestive tract. Susceptibility to enterovirus infections in humans is high at any age.
Danger of enterovirus infection
Enteroviruses can cause great harm to the body. Launched forms lead to serious diseases with the defeat of important organs and systems of the body, which can cause disability and even death. Basically, this concerns the defeat of the viruses of the nervous system.
The consequence of enterovirus infection in aseptic serous meningitis , encephalitis and meningoencephalitis can be cerebral edema. With bulbar disorders, severe aspiration pneumonia is possible. The respiratory form is sometimes complicated by secondary bacterial pneumonia , croup. Intestinal form is dangerous by severe dehydration of the body, and enterovirus eye damage is threatened with blindness.
Inoculation from enterovirus infection
Unfortunately, the vaccine against enterovirus infection does not exist yet. Today, scientists are working on this issue, but the existence of a large number of types of pathogens does not allow the development of a vaccine that can protect simultaneously from all groups of enteroviruses. Currently, only vaccination against poliomyelitis - a disease caused by several types of enterovirus.
After the transferred enterovirus infection, life-long immunity is formed. However, the immunity is serospitsefichnym, i.e. is formed only to the type of virus that a person has had. From other varieties of enteroviruses, he can not protect.
Measures to prevent enterovirus infection
Speaking about the prevention of enterovirus infection, first of all it is necessary to understand the sanitary rules, the observance of which prevents the infection and spread of the infection. Let's list the most important of them:
- Conducting measures to control pollution of environmental objects by sewage, improvement of water supply sources.
- Isolation of patients, thorough disinfection of their belongings and hygiene items.
- Drinking only high-quality boiled or bottled water, pasteurized milk.
- Thorough washing of fruits, berries, vegetables before eating.
- Protection of products from insects, rodents.
- Compliance with personal hygiene.
- Cutting stock (knives, dostochki) for raw and finished products should be separate.
- Do not buy products in places of unauthorized trade.
- Bathe only in permitted places, do not swallow water during water procedures.
People who are in contact with infected patients may be prescribed medications for interferon and immunoglobulin for the prevention of enterovirus infection.