Frequent hand-washing can help prevent the spread of enterovirus D68 (EV-D68). Enterovirus D68 is a respiratory virus responsible for hospitalizing more than 100 children in the South and Midwest. Health officials have now confirmed cases of more than a dozen children in New York, Connecticut and as of Sept. 17 New Jersey. First identified in California in 1962, EVD68 was not commonly found in the U.S. until this year.
Enteroviruses are common and anyone can be infected with EV-D68. Most infections only cause a mild illness that doesn’t require hospitalization and causes symptoms like sneezing, coughing and a runny nose. Infants and other young people have the greatest risk of contracting EVD68, and children with asthma are experiencing aggravated symptoms. Keep an eye on your kids, and if they’re having trouble breathing, get them medical care.
Although EV-D68 has caused concern, particularly among parents of young children, enteroviruses themselves are common.The CDC estimated that 10 to 15 million people are infected with them each year.The virus is characterized by fever, runny nose, coughing, and general achiness. Generally, it doesn’t attack adults, who have developed the antibodies necessary to ward it off through prolonged exposure to similar diseases. There is a risk for some kids, especially if they have a history of asthma or wheezing. Certain kids are getting sicker than ordinarily expected from summer colds, and kids with asthma tend to have more respiratory distress with this than they would with a cold.This could trigger an asthma attack.
There is no specific treatment or antiviral for EV-D68.The virus is found in saliva and nasal mucus and spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes or touches a contaminated surface. It’s important to remind children to frequently wash their hands, cough into the crooks of their arms, and avoid contact with those who are sick to help lessen the spread of the germs.
It is important that we follow common sense rules to prevent the spread of this virus, as we do for flu and other contagious illnesses. Because there is no specific treatment or vaccination against this virus, our best defense is to prevent it by practicing proper hygiene, disinfecting surfaces, and minimizing contact with others experiencing coldlike symptoms.
Jane Badaracco, B.S.N., R.N., C.I.C., is the manager of Infection Prevention and Control at Raritan Bay Medical Center. To make an appointment with a physician, call 1-800-DOCTORS.