Enterovirus D68 has been confirmed in 44 states and District of Columbia from mid-August to Oct. 7, 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in its website. Specifically, a total of 628 people were affected.
Still according to CDC, "almost all confirmed cases this year of EV-D68 infection have been among children. Many of the children had asthma or a history of wheezing."
In the news is Eli Waller, the 4-year-old boy who died of the illness - in his sleep and without any signs. Four other patients who died were tested positive of Enterovirus. CDC and local health officials are still examining whether the virus caused their deaths. Because of this, anxiety among parents is said to be growing. Is there a reason for this?
Dr. Anna Minta of John Hopkins Children's Hospital said in CNYCentral, "We do want to make sure that parents know that most children who contract Enterovirus D68 will be perfectly fine and they should worry more if their child has asthma or trouble breathing, in which case they should seek medical attention."
Parents should also watch out for EV-D68 symptoms, particularly during summer and fall as these are the seasons when people are more probable to get infected. According to CDC:
- Mild symptoms may include fever, runny nose, sneezing, cough, and body and muscle aches.
- Severe symptoms may include wheezing and difficulty breathing.
Enterovirus D68 is "likely to spread from person to person when a person with the illness coughs, sneezes or touches a surface that is also touched by others".
For parents to protect their children, they should teach them to:
- 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 coughs and sneezes with a tissue or shirt sleeve, not hands.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.
- Stay home when sick.
