Media Statement
Alabama Department of Public Health
Enterovirus D68
September 9, 2014
Reports of cases from across the nation have prompted concern among parents of children and teenagers about enterovirus D68 (EV-D68).
The Alabama Department of Public Health has received several reports of suspected cases of EV-D68 but does not have confirmed positive patients at this time. While specimens have been submitted to the CDC for testing, we do not expect results for one to two weeks. Management of the illness does not change based on the tests results. This is NOT a new virus and was first identified more than forty years ago. Until now, this strain of the virus has rarely been reported in the United States in association with outbreaks. More cases have been seen this year than in the past. Enteroviruses in general are common in children. There are more than 100 different serotypes or strains of enteroviruses.
More than 90% of infections caused by enteroviruses are asymptomatic or result only in a mild febrile illness. The viruses cause a wide spectrum of diseases in persons of all ages, although infection and illness occur most commonly in children.
In general, enteroviruses have various symptoms, including mild respiratory, fever, rash and neurologic illness. EV-D68 has more severe respiratory symptoms such as wheezing. There is no vaccine; treatment depends on the symptoms, and prevention is very important. To prevent EV-D68 and all other communicable viruses such as influenza, people need to follow the usual preventive steps listed below:
- Wash your hands frequently
· Cover your cough
· Keep children home if ill
· Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
· Avoid kissing, hugging, and sharing cups and eating utensils with sick people
· Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs
Management
Treatment is as follows:
- Management is supportive and addresses symptoms (eg, bed rest, analgesics)
- No antiviral medications are currently approved for the treatment of enterovirus infections
- There is no vaccine currently available
If you or a family member has severe respiratory symptoms, please contact your doctor and follow his/her advice.