Since mid-August, there have been 160 confirmed cases in more than 20 states of Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68), a respiratory illness that most often affects infants, children and teenagers. The enterovirus season often hits its peak as summer ends and fall begins. While enteroviruses are fairly common, EV-D68 is a rare strain, but not new. It has not been commonly reported in the U.S. nor on such a widespread scale. Dr. Vanessa Tilney, a staff physician at the University of Houston Health Center, answers some general questions about EV-D68.
What is EV-D68 and how common is it?
Enterovirus D68, or EV-D68, is one of many non-polio enteroviruses. 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 U.S. for the last 40 years. Recently, however, there’s been an unprecedented outbreak in several states, including Colorado, Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, Oklahoma, Utah and Georgia. Health officials are concerned by the number of hospitalizations it has caused so far this year.
Who can be affected by EV-D68?
The primary age of concern we are noticing from the American Academy of Pediatrics and Centers for Disease Control is six weeks to 16 years for this particular strain. Pediatric patients with an underlying history of immunosuppression, diagnosis of asthma or reactive airway disease may be more susceptible to EV-D68. They are the ones who develop respiratory distress and get admitted to hospitals.
What are the symptoms of EV-D68?
Enteroviruses, which can cause a variety of symptoms, aren’t unusual. If you’ve ever had a bad summer cold, it was likely caused by an enterovirus. The CDC estimates there are 10 to 15 million viral infections each year in the U.S. The season often hits its peak in September. Most common viral illnesses can last anywhere from 7-14 days. Enterovirus has an incubation period of 3-10 days before some symptoms will present.
A parent should be concerned about a child with any change in breathing associated with fever or cough not improving over 48 hours, or posttussive emesis, which is when a person coughs so hard that he or she is forced to vomit. This can be a strong red flag for an inflamed swollen airway that may require medical attention or intervention.
How is EV-D68 transmitted?
Both direct and indirect mechanisms of transmission are thought to occur with enteroviruses. The virus can be spread through oral or respiratory secretions. This includes saliva, sputum or nasal drainage. Also, direct contact with feces can occur with activities such as diaper changing. Oral-fecal route means that people who are infected can shed the virus in their stool, and illness can be spread from person to person in this way.
How can one protect themselves from infection?
There’s no vaccine for EV-D68. To reduce your risk of getting sick, always wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, particularly after going to the bathroom and changing diapers. Clean and disinfect surfaces that are regularly touched by different people, such as toys and doorknobs. Avoid shaking hands, kissing, hugging and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick. And, stay home if you feel unwell.
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What is EV-D68 and how common is it?
Enterovirus D68, or EV-D68, is one of many non-polio enteroviruses. 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 U.S. for the last 40 years. Recently, however, there’s been an unprecedented outbreak in several states, including Colorado, Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, Oklahoma, Utah and Georgia. Health officials are concerned by the number of hospitalizations it has caused so far this year.
Who can be affected by EV-D68?
The primary age of concern we are noticing from the American Academy of Pediatrics and Centers for Disease Control is six weeks to 16 years for this particular strain. Pediatric patients with an underlying history of immunosuppression, diagnosis of asthma or reactive airway disease may be more susceptible to EV-D68. They are the ones who develop respiratory distress and get admitted to hospitals.
What are the symptoms of EV-D68?
Enteroviruses, which can cause a variety of symptoms, aren’t unusual. If you’ve ever had a bad summer cold, it was likely caused by an enterovirus. The CDC estimates there are 10 to 15 million viral infections each year in the U.S. The season often hits its peak in September. Most common viral illnesses can last anywhere from 7-14 days. Enterovirus has an incubation period of 3-10 days before some symptoms will present.
A parent should be concerned about a child with any change in breathing associated with fever or cough not improving over 48 hours, or posttussive emesis, which is when a person coughs so hard that he or she is forced to vomit. This can be a strong red flag for an inflamed swollen airway that may require medical attention or intervention.
How is EV-D68 transmitted?
Both direct and indirect mechanisms of transmission are thought to occur with enteroviruses. The virus can be spread through oral or respiratory secretions. This includes saliva, sputum or nasal drainage. Also, direct contact with feces can occur with activities such as diaper changing. Oral-fecal route means that people who are infected can shed the virus in their stool, and illness can be spread from person to person in this way.
How can one protect themselves from infection?
There’s no vaccine for EV-D68. To reduce your risk of getting sick, always wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, particularly after going to the bathroom and changing diapers. Clean and disinfect surfaces that are regularly touched by different people, such as toys and doorknobs. Avoid shaking hands, kissing, hugging and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick. And, stay home if you feel unwell.
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