BATESVILLE – Many hospitals across the country have reported an increase in the number of children with severe respiratory illness linked to Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68).
However, at this time, Margaret Mary Health and local healthcare providers have not seen any significant increase in serious upper respiratory illnesses that would be considered unusual for this time of year.
The Indiana Department of Health confirmed Enterovirus D68 in Indiana on Friday.
There are many strains of viruses, which bring on symptoms like a severe cold. These viruses are fairly common and affect millions of Americans every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The specific EV-D68 virus currently in the news is much less common, but not new. A seasonal illness that usually peaks in September, it is not considered to be serious in otherwise healthy children.
Testing for EV-D68 is not recommended by the CDC at this time. There is no specific medication to treat or vaccine to prevent EV-D68. Treating EV-D68 is similar to treating other upper respiratory illnesses unless children have additional medical conditions (like asthma) that may require them to be hospitalized for intensive supportive therapy.
Rachel White, Infection Prevention Coordinator at Margaret Mary Health, explains that because there is no different treatment for the EV-D68 virus from other common respiratory viruses, most physicians and hospitals do not test for the virus. “The treatment plan is basically the same regardless of the strain. Most infections are mild and require only symptomatic treatment. We have not had increased visits due to confirmed cases of EV-D68 at this time, but our staff is prepared to respond if the situation changes.”
According to White, the best way to prevent any virus, including EV-D68, is to use good respiratory hygiene – cover coughs and sneezes – and always use goodhand-washing practices, teaching children to do the same. Always stay home if you are sick particularly if you have a fever and avoid contact with persons who are ill otherwise. Disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, like doorknobs and toys, is also recommended.
According to pediatrician Andrew Poltrack, MD, most children with viral infections, including EV-D68, will experience relatively minor symptoms such as cough and runny nose. Some children will also develop fever. “Children with persistent fever or difficulty breathing should be evaluated by a physician. In general, this specific virus is treated the same as a cold or other common virus via supportive treatment. In most cases, testing is not necessary because the treatment plan is the same.
“One exception to this general rule is that children less than two months old who have a rectal temperature of 100.4 or greater should be seen immediately, as they may have a more serious cause of their fever.”
White added that if the number of flu and viral infections increases, visitor restrictions may be initiated at Margaret Mary to prevent the further spread of illness. For more information and resources on EV-D68, you can check out the websites for the Centers for Disease Control and the Indiana State Department of Health.
