Enterovirus D68 is spreading quickly and dangerously across the United States. According to various reports, new cases of the Enterovirus D68 include one in Florida, five in New Jersey and three cases in North Carolina.
In Tampa, Fla., a 10-year-old girl is currently recovering from the Enterovirus. She is the first confirmed case of the disease in the state of Florida, according to the Florida Department of Health. The child is still recovering in Polk County, reports CBS Local.
Meanwhile, in New Jersey, there are five new cases of Enterovirus D68, the New Jersey Department of Health confirmed yesterday.
According to officials, the Enterovirus D68 affected two in Morris County, one in Camden County, one in Middlesex County and one in Mercer County. The Mercer County case is unrelated to the death of preschooler Eli Weller, reports WPVI-TV.
As of the current moment, New Jersey has 14 confirmed cases of Enterovirus D68. Officials said they are still waiting for additional specimen tests from the CDC.
As for the cases of Enterovirus D68 or EV-D68 in North Carolina, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services confirmed three additional cases. The total number of Enterovirus D68 cases in N.C. rose to nine since the first case began in Sept. 22.
The three specimens which tested positive for Enterovirus D68 were obtained from children ages 10 and under with respiratory illnesses, according to WTVD-TV.
"The confirmed cases were located in different parts of the state, so it is important for everyone, including parents and schools, to take necessary actions to prevent the spread of EV-D68 and other respiratory viruses. There are no vaccines and no specific treatments for EV-D68, so prevention is the best option," said pediatrician and epidemiologist Dr. Zack Moore from the Division of Public Health.
There are reportedly hundreds of types of Enteroviruses - D68 being only one strain. Apparently, the virus isn't new. However, it can spread wide, and fast.
Currently, Enterovirus D68 has reached almost every state, ranging from mild to severe reported cases.
Enteroviruses can be transmitted through close contact with infected persons, or simply by touching objects or surfaces contaminated with the virus then touching the mouth, nose or eyes.
It is possible for Enterovirus D68 to cause mild to severe respiratory illness, as well as attack one's nervous system in severe cases.
There is still no known vaccine or treatment for Enterovirus D68. However, anyone with breathing difficulties should go to the hospital. People with muscle weakness, such as to the limbs and face should also see a doctor right away.
Enterovirus D68 symptoms include fever, runny nose, sneezing, cough, and body and muscle aches.
To avoid catching Enterovirus D68, there are several preventative measures which can be taken.
"The most effective way to prevent enteroviruses is to practice good hygiene regularly by washing hands often," said Dr. Celeste Philip, Deputy Secretary for Health and Deputy State Health Officer for Children's Medical Services.
He added, "Those having cold-like or flu-like symptoms should stay home from child care centers, school or work and, if possible, remain apart from other family members."
More than 500 Enterovirus D68 cases have already been reported in 43 states. Four people have died, but it remains unclear as to how large a role the virus played in killing them, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Similar to RSV and the flu, EV-D68 is highly contagious.
Other prevention measures for Enterovirus D68 include:
- Frequent handwashing
- Using non-alcohol surface disinfectants, since alcohol-based hand sanitizers and disinfectants are proven ineffective against EV-D68
- Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow;
- Avoiding sharing cups and eating utensils;
- Refraining from kissing those with symptoms;
- Frequently cleaning potentially contaminated surfaces (doorknobs, countertops, tables, toys, etc.) using a bleach solution (1 part bleach and 9 parts water).
- Keeping sick kids at home and away from others
Other symptoms for Enterovirus D68 may include:
- Wheezing
- Trouble breathing
- High fever with ill appearance
- Thick nasal discharge
- Signs of dehydration
Enteroviruses in general are seen during the summer and fall seasons. While they are fast to multiply in these times, numbers of those infected drop by late fall, according to WPVI-TV.
More Enterovirus D68 information is available in the CDC website.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
