INDIANAPOLIS – State health officials are confirming 19 new cases of enterovirus D68 (EV-D68), a respiratory illness that was first confirmed in Indiana three weeks ago.
The Indiana State Department of Health is working with local health departments and hospitals to conduct surveillance for additional cases of EV-D68 in the state.
Surveillance of hospital emergency department chief complaints indicates that statewide respiratory activity has returned within normal limits.
“The best way to prevent the spread of EV-D68 is through washing your hands with soap and water frequently, covering your cough and staying home when you’re sick,” said State Health Commissioner William VanNess, M.D. “This virus can be quite serious and potentially even fatal. These measures are currently our best defense.”
Typically, EV-D68 causes upper respiratory illness, such as low-grade fever, cough, runny nose, sneezing and body/muscle aches. Infected individuals generally recover on their own without incident by treating symptoms.
However, some individuals, especially infants, children and those with weakened immune systems or underlying medical conditions, such as asthma, may experience severe complications and require hospitalization. There is no vaccine or treatment for EV-D68, but hospitals can provide supportive therapy.
Enteroviruses are very common, with more than 100 strains and between 10 and 15 million cases in the United States each year, usually during the summer and fall.
EV-D68 is spread through close contact with infected people. State health officials recommend the following tips to protect you and your family:
- Clean: Wash your hands frequently with warm soap and water for at least 20 seconds. *Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is not effective in preventing the spread of EV-D68.
- Cover: Cover your cough with your sleeve or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Contain: Prevent spreading illness to others by staying home if you are sick.
- Avoid close contact and sharing cups or eating utensils with those who are ill.
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
