Rhinovirus and Enterovirus

About 50% of common colds are caused by some kind of rhinovirus. There are more than 100 rhinoviruses and 100 enteroviruses that can infect people.

An adult comforts a sick child.

Non-polio enteroviruses and rhinoviruses are very common viruses. Most infected people have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, but some infections can be serious, especially among infants and people with weakened immune systems.

Examples of enteroviruses include Enterovirus-D68 (EV-D68); hand, foot, and mouth disease; viral meningitis; and viral conjunctivitis. (opens external link)

People of any age can get enterovirus and rhinovirus infections, but infants, children, and teenagers are more likely than adults to become sick. Each year in the United States, there are millions of cases of the common cold. Adults have an average of two to three colds per year, and children have even more.

For weekly case count updates for all respiratory viruses in Wisconsin, see the Weekly Respiratory Surveillance Report, P-02346.

Questions about rhinovirus/enterovirus? Contact us!

Phone: 608-267-9003 | Fax: 608-261-4976

Last revised December 30, 2024