Adenovirus 40/41

Adenovirus types 40 and 41 are strains that primarily infect the gastrointestinal tract rather than the respiratory system. They are a common cause of acute diarrhea, especially in children, but can also affect adults. Symptoms often include watery diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, and low-grade fever, typically lasting several days. The virus is spread through fecal-oral contact and can persist on surfaces, making it highly transmissible. Detection indicates an active intestinal viral infection rather than past exposure.