Enterovirus D68

In the Midwest, an enterovirus often known as EV-D68 is causing concern. Although it shouldn’t be a brand new virus, EV-D68 recently caused severe respiratory symptoms in affected children in Missouri, and a number of other other states have contacted CDC for assistance within the event of a possible regional outbreak. These are Colorado, North Carolina, Georgia, Ohio, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Kentucky. Cold symptoms are typical on the onset of EV-D68, but the event of fever, rash or shortness of breath – especially in children with asthma – occurs and requires hospitalization and in some cases admission to the ICU.

While details are still being released, remember your role in patient education and infection control. Tell parents and caregivers about these symptoms of EV-D68 and advise them to hunt help for his or her child in the event that they develop a fever, rash, or difficulty respiration. Also share these infection control basics:

• avoiding close contact with individuals who have respiratory symptoms, similar to coughing or sneezing
• staying home when you’re sick
• washing your hands ceaselessly with soap and water for 15–20 seconds or using alcohol-based hand cleaners
• without touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• keeping surfaces and objects (especially tables, countertops, door handles and toys) which may be exposed to the virus clean
• practicing other good health habits, including getting enough sleep, staying lively, drinking loads of fluids, and maintaining a healthy diet foods

As soon as we learn more details, we’ll be sure you let you understand!

Reference:

Bonsall, L. (2009). Be prepared for H1N1 flu.