Local health officials say hand washing and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces will go a long way to slow the spread Enterovirus D68, a virus causing respiratory illness in people across the Midwest, including the Kansas City area.
Enteroviruses are very common, and most do not cause significant disease. However, EV-D68 is a rare type that can cause difficulty breathing and mimic an asthma attack. Most people who are infected will have the symptoms of a common cold, but some may develop severe symptoms and need to seek medical attention.
As with other enteroviruses, EV-D68 appears to spread through close contact with infected people. There is no vaccine or anti-viral medication for this infection, so local health officials recommend the following to slow the spread of this virus:
• 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
• Stay home when feeling sick and contact your health care provider
Both the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment are working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to monitor the spread and impact of EV-D68 infections.
The exact number of cases of EV-D68 in the metro is unknown, as it is not a reportable disease in the United States and health care professionals are not required to report known or suspected cases to health departments, according to health officials. However, local health care providers are voluntarily sharing the numbers they have with public health. Also, the CDC does not have a surveillance system that specifically collects information on EV-D68 infections.
Earlier this week, health officials cited 19 specimens from the Kansas City area were confirmed to be the Enterovirus, EV-D68.
Children with cold like symptoms that experience difficulty breathing, are asked to consult with their family physician for further evaluation. Health care providers should be aware of EV-D68 as a potential cause of respiratory distress, and everyone should follow the recommended steps to help slow the spread of this new infection.
For more information about Enterovirus, visit http://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2014/t0908-respiratory-Illness.html.
– Most information in this story comes from the Mid-America Regional Council