We’ve heard alot of enterovirus-68 lately (EV-D68). The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that “a total of 500 people in 42 states and the District of Columbia have been confirmed to have respiratory illness caused by EV-D68.”
What is EV-D68?
It is one of more than 100 non-polio enteroviruses. It can cause mild to severe respiratory illness, with symptoms ranging from runny nose and sneezing to trouble breathing. For a full list of symptoms, click HERE.
Infants, children and teenagers are most likely to contract this virus and the virus spreads more prevalent during the summer and fall.
The first case of EV-D68 in Tennessee was suspected in Henry County when an 8-year-old girl suffered from symptoms associated with enterovirus. She was diagnosed with enterovirus, but it was not confirmed to be the EV-D68 strain.
More about EV-D68 from the CDC:
EV-D68 infections have recently been documented across the United States.
- From mid-August to October 1, 2014, CDC or state public health laboratories have confirmed a total of 500 people in 42 states and the District of Columbia with respiratory illness caused by EV-D68. Learn about states with confirmed cases. This indicates that at least one case has been detected in each state listed but does not indicate how widespread infections are in each state (Tennessee has yet to have a confirmed case of EV-D68).
- Almost all the confirmed cases this year of EV-D68 infection have been among children. Many of the children had asthma or a history of wheezing.
Prevention
Parents are urged to have their children frequently wash their hands and if children are sick, keep the at home. And, of course, if children appear to have symptoms related to enterovirus, parents are advised to call their pediatrician immediately.
