Enterovirus-68 Parent Information Sheet
The
Alameda County Public Health Department (ACPHD) website posts current information regarding public health news.
In August 2014, the
Centers for Disease Control received reports of an increased number of cases of a severe respiratory illness,
Enterovirus 68 (EV68), in children in Kansas City, Missouri and Chicago, Illinois. Enterovirus 68 is not a new virus, but over the past few years it has caused outbreaks of respiratory illness in the fall. At the present time (Oct 2014), the incidence of EV68 is low in California. The information below will help you understand EV68 and how to possibly prevent spread of the virus.
What is EV68?
Enterovirus 68 causes respiratory illness and the virus likely spreads from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or touches contaminated surfaces. Symptoms of EV68 include runny nose, sneezing, cough, shortness of breath, and body and muscle aches. EV68 rarely causes fever.
Who does this virus infect?
Currently, most patients are children under 16 with a prior history of asthma or wheezing. Symptoms include a rapid start of coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing. If a health care professional thinks a child may have EV68, they can prescribe inhalers to help ease breathing. Adults do not seem to be severely affected by EV68, most likely because they’ve been exposed to similar viruses in the past and have some immunity to it.
What should I look out for?
If your child or family member suddenly begins coughing, wheezing or difficulty breathing, please contact his/her regular healthcare provider. While most patients do not require hospitalization, children can develop symptoms rapidly, so a quick call or visit to a health care clinic or emergency room might be necessary.
Is there an antibiotic I can take or a vaccine?
No. EV68 is a virus, and there is not a specific anti-viral drug to treat it. There are no vaccines for EV68. This does not mean that your child cannot be treated. Children that have difficulty breathing can receive breathing treatments that reduce their symptoms and get them on the road to recovery.
Can we do anything to protect our family from EV68 and other viruses? The best way to prevent transmission of EV68 or other viruses is to:
- Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick.
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.
Are pregnant women at risk?
Pregnant women have a greater chance of being infected if they do not have immunity (protection) from previous infection with EV68. However, most pregnant women who become infected will not get sick, or they will only have mild illness. Right now, there is no clear evidence that pregnant women with enterovirus infection will have severe complications. But, if a pregnant woman is infected shortly before delivery, she can pass the virus to her baby. These babies usually have only mild illness. In rare cases, they may have severe infection.
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