Enteroviral

/ˌɛntərə‌ˈvaɪrəl/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or caused by enteroviruses, a group of viruses that infect the digestive tract and can cause various illnesses from mild cold symptoms to serious paralysis.

Etymology

From 'entero-' (intestine) + 'viral' (relating to viruses). The term entered medical vocabulary in the mid-20th century as viral classification systems developed.

Kelly Says

Enteroviruses include polio, coxsackievirus, and echovirus—these 'intestine viruses' replicate quietly in your gut but can spread to the nervous system, which is how polio causes paralysis despite starting in the digestive tract.

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