CARSON CITY - The United States has been experiencing a nationwide outbreak of enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) associated with severe respiratory illness. From mid-August to Dec. 4, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or state public health laboratories have confirmed a total of 1,121 people in 47 states and the District of Columbia with respiratory illness caused by EV-D68. The CDC just notified the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health that the first case in Nevada has been confirmed. The case is located in Washoe County.
Nationally, there has been a reported increase in cases of severe respiratory illness in children. This increase could be caused by many different viruses that are common during this time of year. EV-D68 appears to be the predominant type of enterovirus this year and is likely contributing to the increases in severe respiratory illnesses. Increased awareness of EV-D68 is also contributing to increased recognition of new cases.
In the United States, people are more likely to get infected with enteroviruses in the summer and fall, so the season of infection is winding down. You can help protect yourself from getting and spreading EV-D68 by following these steps:
• Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds;
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands;
• Avoid close contact such as kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick, or when you are sick;
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or shirt sleeve, not your hands;
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick;
• Stay home when you are sick;
• Keep your children at home when they are sick; they should not attend school, daycare or group activities.
Children with asthma are at risk for severe symptoms from EV-D68 and other respiratory illnesses should:
• Discuss and update your child's asthma action plan with your primary care provider.
• Make sure your children take their prescribed asthma medications as directed, especially long term control medication(s).
• Be sure to keep your child's reliever medication close at hand.
• Make sure your child gets a flu vaccine when available.
• If your child develops new or worsening asthma symptoms, follow the steps of your child's asthma action plan. If your child's symptoms do not go away, call your doctor right away.
• Parents should make sure the child's caregiver and/or teacher is aware of his/her condition, and that they know how to help if the child experiences any symptoms related to asthma.
For more information on Enterovirus D68 please visit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/outbreaks/EV-D68-outbreaks.html or http://www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/about/EV-D68.html or call the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health at (775) 684-5911.
For more information about the Division of Public and Behavioral Health, go to: http://health.nv.gov.[[In-content Ad]]
