The genus Enterovirus (EV) of the family Picornaviridae containing more than 100 serotypes. These viruses cause a variety of diseases, among which viral encephalitis (VE), aseptic meningitis (AM) and acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) much threaten human health. Infections with these viruses will cause severe neurological complications and death. EV is a frequent cause of infection in children, especially in neonates and young infants. EV infections form a seasonal pattern and the incidence is the highest in the summer and autumn. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of EV structure, host-receptor interactions, epidemiological characteristics, related central nervous system diseases and laboratory diagnostics. Moreover, we briefly explain the mechanism of viral genome replication and assembly for most relevant pathogens and describe diseases prevention and control method. We reflect on how these recent discoveries may help the development of strategies to decrease viral spread.