RFP Staff
Monday the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced the state now had 6 patients under the age of 10 who tested positive for Enterovirus D68. DHHS’s press release said the cases reside in different areas across the state, but did not specify where, citing patient privacy. North Carolina now joins 27 other states with cases of Enterovirus D68.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is keeping a close watch on a dangerous new children’s virus suspected in North Carolina: Enterovirus D68. This fast hitting respiratory disease has stricken many children in 27 states to date. In some instances EV-D68 requires hospitalization when it triggers asthma attacks.
Enteroviruses cause a variety of illnesses such as the common cold and diarrhea. Symptoms may include fever, runny nose, cough, skin rash, mouth blisters, as well as body and muscle aches. Children with preexisting asthma may be at risk for having asthma attacks due to Enterovirus D68’s inflammatory process that can quickly set off asthma.
In certain cases Enterovirus D68 can be deadly. Children in several other states became critically ill from its respiratory attack.
According to the CDC there are no specific treatments for Enterovirus D68. No anti-viral medications are presently available for EV-D68 infections. No vaccines are on the market.
In the main most EV-D68 infections will be mild and will require only symptomatic treatment. Children with severe respiratory illness brought on by EV-D68 will require hospitalization and intensive supportive therapy.
To prevent the Enterovirus D68:
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers.
• Avoid kissing, hugging, and sharing glasses or eating utensils with people who are ill.
• Stay home when feeling ill, and obtain consultation from your health care provider.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.
For more about Enterovirus D68 visit the Center of Disease Control’s website:
http://www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/about/EV-D68.html?s_cid=cdc_homepage_whatsnew_001
