In summer, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and high fever do not always indicate food poisoning. These symptoms may be caused by an enterovirus infection — a common seasonal illness that spreads easily and can affect not only the intestines but also other organs. According to infectious disease specialist Vera Oleynik, enteroviruses represent a large group of viruses, with more than 300 varieties. They can cause mild gastrointestinal disturbances or cold-like symptoms, as well as more serious illnesses. The infection spreads most actively during warm weather. The virus is transmitted through airborne droplets, contact, and fecal-oral routes — through dirty hands, contaminated water, food, or shared items. Children, especially those attending kindergartens and schools, are the most frequently affected. Pregnant women, elderly individuals, and patients with weakened immune systems are also at higher risk. The symptoms of the disease can vary. In addition to abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and bloating, high fever, chills, headache, muscle and joint pain, weakness, sore throat, runny nose, swollen lymph nodes, as well as rashes and painful sores in the mouth, on the palms, and on the soles of the feet may occur. Since the manifestations of enterovirus infection are similar to many other diseases, the diagnosis is confirmed through laboratory tests. A doctor may prescribe a complete blood count, biochemical blood tests, urine analysis, PCR testing of blood, stool, or urine, and additional examinations if necessary. There is no specific medication for enteroviruses. Treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms: antipyretics are used for high fever, and for gastrointestinal symptoms, plenty of fluids, a gentle diet, and enterosorbents are recommended. Antibiotics are used only if a bacterial infection develops. During the illness, it is advisable to avoid fatty, fried, spicy, and smoked foods, as well as temporarily exclude dairy products, fresh vegetables, and fruits. Preference should be given to porridge made with water, low-fat broths, boiled meat, crackers, baked apples, and bananas. To reduce the risk of infection, specialists recommend washing hands frequently, drinking only boiled water, thoroughly washing food, and being cautious when swimming in bodies of water, avoiding getting water in the mouth. If abdominal pain and diarrhea are accompanied by high fever, severe weakness, rash, sore throat, or other unusual symptoms, do not dismiss everything as food poisoning. In such cases, it is better to consult a doctor to timely determine the cause of the illness and avoid possible complications.