Causative agent

Adenoviruses are a group of viruses that infect the mucus membranes of humans. Depending on the types of virus, they may cause respiratory illness but also diarrhoea, eye infection and rashes. The infection can occur all year round.

Clinical features

Symptoms caused by adenoviruses vary with the types of virus, such as cough, runny nose, sore throat and fever in the respiratory tract; abdominal pain and diarrhoea in the gastrointestinal tract; and eye infection commonly known as 'red eye disease'. Young children, elderly and immunocompromised patients are more susceptible to this infection.

Mode of transmission

The infection mainly spreads through air droplets, direct contact of the oro-nasal secretions of patients, or ingestion of contaminated food or water; and may cause outbreaks of acute respiratory or eye infections in institutional settings such as schools and hospitals.

Incubation period

The incubation period is usually 2 to 14 days.

Management

No specific antiviral therapy is available. The patient should be given supportive treatment with adequate fluid replacement.

Prevention

• Build up good body immunity by having a balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking.
• Maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene.
• Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose nasal and oral discharge properly.
• Wash hands thoroughly before food handling and eating, and after going to toilets, handling of vomitus, faecal matter and oro-nasal secretions.
• Wear gloves while disposing vomitus, faeces and diapers, and wash hands afterwards.
• Clean and disinfect contaminated articles and surfaces promptly and thoroughly with 1:49 diluted household bleach (1 part of household bleach in 49 parts of water).
• Avoid touching the eyes with hands.
• Do not share towels and toilet articles.
• Avoid sharing eye medicines, eye make-ups and other items that may come into contact with the eyes.
• Avoid crowded places where the ventilation is unsatisfactory.
• Children developing symptoms of infection should refrain from school and seek medical advice.