Sharing with you an up-date I received from a colleague this morning... Dear Sandra, With the latest news that a case of Ebola virus disease has been confirmed in the U.S. and the increasing numbers of confirmed cases of Enterovirus D68, its vital for us to stay well informed about these infectious diseases so we can best educate our patients and the public. On Sept. 30, 2014, the CDC and Texas Health Department confirmed the first U.S. case of Ebola virus disease in a person who travelled to Dallas from Liberia. The CDC has issued an Ebola Best Practices Reminder for Health Care Providers as well as a Checklist for Patients Being Evaluated for Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the United States. You can find more news, clinical information, and resources about Ebola virus disease here. As of Oct. 6, 2014, a total of 594 people have been confirmed to have respiratory illness caused by Enterovirus D68, and the first death due to this virus, which occurred Sept. 25, 2014, has been confirmed. Please use this NursingCenter page, which includes information from the CDC, to stay up-to-date about this disease. Thank you, Lisa M. Bonsall, MSN, RN, CRNP So here is what we need to know: Enterovirus D68 Enterovirus D68, also known as EV-D68, is causing concern. While not a new virus, regional outbreaks of EV-D68 have recently caused severe respiratory symptoms in affected children. KEY FACTS As of Oct. 6, 2014, a total of 594 people have been confirmed to have respiratory illness caused by EV-D68. Symptoms of a common cold are typical at the onset of EV-D68, however the development of fever, rash, or dyspnea – particularly in children with asthma – is occurring and necessitating hospitalization, and in some instances, ICU admission. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for EV-D68. As a nurse, your role in patient education and infection control is very important. Tell parents and caregivers about the symptoms of EV-D68 and advise them to seek care for their child if fever, rash, or breathing difficulties develop. Also, share these basics of infection control: avoiding close contact with people who have respiratory symptoms, such as coughing or sneezing staying home when sick washing hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds not touching eyes, nose, or mouth keeping surfaces and objects (especially tables, counters, doorknobs, and toys) that can be exposed to a virus clean practicing other good health habits, including getting plenty of sleep, staying active, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating healthy foods.
Posted on: Wed, 08 Oct 2014 13:26:42 +0000
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