By Horatio Green
A rare viral health
threat has presented itself in 12 Midwestern and Southeastern states and is
spreading. The threat comes from an
outbreak of Enterovirus D68.
Enteroviruses are common. Enteroviruses and rhinoviruses are
the leading cause of respiratory infections, particularly the common cold. There
are more than 100 types of enteroviruses causing about 10 to 15 million
infections in the United States each year, according to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC).
However, this particular strain, D68 is rare.It was first identified in California in 1962. Since then, there have been a 100 or so cases reported. D68 is hard to identify; it may be the reason why the numbers are low. But since the latter part of August, D68 infections have quickly spread with
an unusually high number of hospitalizations leading the CDC to proclaim that it
may be “just the
tip of the iceberg in terms of severe cases,” and therefore a nationwide
health concern.
Since August 18, Children’s Hospital Colorado reported
treating more than 900 children; 86 were admitted. The hospital has restricted
visiting privileges of children under 12.
The Missouri Department of Health reported that in August Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas
City treated more than 300 children; 45 were admitted to their Intensive Care
Unit. By September 2, the number of children treated had risen to 450.
By the end of August and into early September, Nationwide
Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, reported an increase
in respiratory illnesses, some are suspected to be D68 infections.
As of Tuesday, September 02, 2014, the Blessing Hospital in
Quincy, Ill., restricted visiting privileges of children under 12, because of a virus suspected to be D68 that
has affected more than 70 children.
Children predisposed to asthma and very young children are
the most susceptible. When a child appears to have a bad cold, a parent should
pay attention and be aware of labored breathing, wheezing, and uncontrollable
coughing because these are D68’s primary symptoms.
Moreover, there is no specific vaccine or treatment
available to prevent or treat D68 infections. The CDC says you can reduce your
risk by following these few simple steps:
- Wash
your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.
- Avoid
touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid
close contact with people who may be infected.
- Disinfect
frequently touched surfaces, especially if someone is sick.
- Stay
home when feeling sick and obtain consultation from your health care
provider.
It’s also advisable
to get a flu shot to protect your family, children, and yourself from flu
viruses.
If your child presents symptoms, you need to see a doctor right away since an D68
infection can be a threat to your child’s life.
Copyright © 2014 Horatio Green
