What You Need to Know - Increase in Respiratory Illness Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68)

In response to increasing numbers of respiratory illness (Enterovirus D68), the Livingston County Health Center wants you to know the facts so you can protect your family.

Enterovirus is a common virus.  With more than 100 types of enteroviruses, an estimated 10 to 15 million infections occur in the United States each year.  Most people who are infected with enteroviruses have no or mild symptoms.  However some enteroviruses, like Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68), can be very serious.

Symptoms of the Enterovirus D68 are similar to the common cold.  Severe symptoms are possible with EV-D68, such as difficulty breathing. Children with cold like symptoms that experience difficulty breathing should consult their family physician. 

Enterovirus D68 appears to be spreading by close contact with infected people.   There is no vaccine or antiviral medication to treat EV-D68. 

The Livingston County Health Center provides the following recommendations to prevent the spread of EV-D68 and to also protect yourself and your family:

•          Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom or changing diapers.  The use of soap and water is very important to combat EV-D68.  Soap and water are the preferred method of hand washing.

•          Avoid touching your 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.

•          If you are sick, stay home.

The Health Center continues to monitor the situation and share information with local health providers.  While there are reports of increased cases across several Midwest states, there is not a surveillance system that can account for exact numbers of infections.

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Senior Epidemiology Specialist C. Jon Hinkle says, “Using good hand hygiene, practicing good cough and sneeze etiquette and staying home if you are sick are the most effective tools to fight EV-D68.”

For more information on EV-D68 visit www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/about/EV-D68.html or contact the Livingston County Health Center at 646-5506.