Enterovirus virus impacts children nationwide

Those with asthma at higher risk 

Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is one of more than 100 non-polio enteroviruses and it was first identified in California in 1962.

In general, infants, children, and teenagers are most likely to get infected with enteroviruses and become ill. That’s because they do not yet have immunity (protection) from previous exposures to these viruses. We believe this is also true for EV-D68. Adults can get infected with enteroviruses, but they are more likely to have no symptoms or mild symptoms.

Children with asthma may have a higher risk for severe respiratory illness caused by EV-D68 infection.

Mild symptoms may include fever, runny nose, sneezing, cough, and body and muscle aches.

Severe symptoms may include wheezing and difficulty breathing.

Since EV-D68 causes respiratory illness, the virus can be found in an infected person’s respiratory secretions, such as saliva, nasal mucus, or sputum. EV-D68 likely spreads from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or touches a surface that is then touched by others.

The United States is currently experiencing a nationwide outbreak of enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) associated with severe respiratory illness.

From mid-August to October 22, 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and other state public health laboratories have confirmed a total of 941 people in 46 states and the District of Columbia with respiratory illness caused by EV-D68.

CDC expects that, as with other enteroviruses, EV-D68 infections will likely begin to decline by late fall. The disease is typically most prevalent in the summer and fall.

There are no medications for the virus, and there is no specific treatment for people with respiratory illness caused by EV-D68. Talk to your child’s doctor about the best way to control his or her symptoms.

You can help prevent your family from getting and spreading EV-D68 and other respiratory illnesses by following these steps:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.

• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact such as kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick.

• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or shirt sleeve, not your hands.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.

• Keep your child home when he/she is sick.

Source: CDC