BATESVILLE – Despite rumors swirling in the community and on social media, Indiana remains off the list of states with reported cases of enterovirus EV-D68, health officials say.
As of now, healthcare workers both at the local and state level say they have not confirmed any case of the upper respiratory illness that is accompanied with symptoms such as low-grade fever, cough, runny nose and body aches.
Infected individuals generally recover on their own without incident by treating symptoms. However, some individuals, especially those with weakened immune systems or underlying medical conditions, such as asthma, may experience severe complications and require hospitalization with supportive therapy.
Margaret Mary Health Communications Specialist Kasi Christin said some hospital staff members held a meeting Thursday afternoon and there was no confirmation of the virus being detected. An infection prevention specialist at the hospital reported the number of patients seeking medical care for respiratory symptoms is right on par with the past two years.
We spoke with a school nurse for Batesville Community Schools who said the corporation has not seen a notable increase in absentee numbers.
While hospitals statewide have seen an increase in the number of patients with respiratory illnesses, the Indiana State Department of Health has not confirmed it is related to the recent surge of D68 cases, which has been confirmed in surrounding states, including Kentucky and Ohio.
WRBI has been tracking this story and will share any new developments.
