The NYS Department of Health is advising parents and health care providers to be aware of the signs and symptoms of enterovirus EV-D68, a serious respiratory illness which has now been confirmed in more than a dozen children in NYS, including in the Capital Region. While we are currently not aware of any cases of EV-D68 in the Chatham Central School District, the Health Department has recommended that schools advise parents about the signs of EV-D68 as a precaution. In some cases, EV-D68 can cause severe respiratory (breathing) illness among children and other individuals. Such illness has sometimes resulted in hospitalization, especially among children with asthma. Symptoms to Look For Fever, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and body aches. Since EV-D68 has not been commonly reported, other symptoms may also be seen. How It Is Spread Enteroviruses are transmitted through close contact with a person who has the virus, or by touching objects or surfaces that have the virus on them and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. What You Can Do to Protect Yourself and Your Family There is no medicine to treat for EV-D68 infections other than management of symptoms, which is why it is important to protect yourself and others by reminding your children to: Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. 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. Use the same precautions you would use to prevent the spread of influenza. These prevention steps are especially important for individuals or persons with family members who are infants, or who have chronic health conditions or compromised immune systems. What to Do If Your Child Feels Ill If your child is sick with a runny nose, cough, fever, or aches which are signs of an upper respiratory infection, do not send your child to school. Allow him or her to rest and recover at home. Contact your medical provider immediately if your child becomes seriously ill. Additional Information on EV D68 While there are more than 100 types of enteroviruses that commonly cause respiratory illness, EV-D68 is a less common type. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working with health departments in several states to investigate suspected clusters of respiratory illness. About Enteroviruses Enteroviruses are very common viruses; there are more than 100 types. It is estimated that 10 to 15 million enterovirus infections occur in the United States each year. Enteroviruses can cause respiratory illness, febrile rash, and neurologic illnesses, such as aseptic meningitis (swelling of the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord) and encephalitis (swelling of the brain). Most infected people have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, but some infections can be serious. Infants, children, and teenagers are most likely to get infected with enteroviruses and become sick. Most enterovirus infections in the United States occur seasonally during the summer and fall. Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) infections are thought to occur less commonly than infections with other enteroviruses. EV-D68 was first identified in California in 1962. Compared with other enteroviruses, EV-D68 has been rarely reported in the United States. More information about enterovirus EV-D68 can be found at: cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/about/EV-D68.html (Information provided by the New York State Department of Health) If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your school’s nurse.
Posted on: Wed, 17 Sep 2014 17:53:39 +0000
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