Cases of an uncommon enterovirus found in the
Midwest
Illinois Department of Public Health watching for possible outbreaks of
circulating virus
Related story from Reuters News Service:
Quincy Illinois hospital asks children not to visit due to unknown virus
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[September 13, 2014]
SPRINGFIELD
– Several hospitals in Illinois and Missouri have recently reported
clusters of severe respiratory illness in community members, especially
children. Testing of some cases by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention identified an enterovirus, EV-D68. While there are more than
100 types of enteroviruses, which are very common viruses of respiratory
illness, EV-D68 is less common.
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“The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is closely
monitoring the increase in respiratory illness found in some
hospitals,” said IDPH Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck. “While we are
seeing some severe illnesses and take these very seriously, it’s
important to know that the steps you can take to avoid becoming ill,
and the treatment for this, are similar to those of most illnesses.”
Enteroviruses are transmitted through close contact with an infected
person, or by touching objects or surfaces that are contaminated
with the virus and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2014/Sep/10/images/ads/current/ldn_sda_062409.png) To help
protect yourself and others from enterovirus infections:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water
- Avoid close contact (touching and shaking hands) with people
who are sick
- Clean and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces
- Stay home when sick
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Symptoms of enterovirus illness can include fever, runny
nose, sneezing, coughing and body aches. Because EV-D68 has not
been reported commonly, the full spectrum of illness due to this
type of enterovirus is not well known.
“If you, or your child, are experiencing cold like symptoms and
are having difficulty breathing, contact your health care
provider right away,” said Dr. Hasbrouck.
There is no specific treatment for EV-D68 infections and no
specific anti-viral medications currently available for this
purpose, which is why it is important to take steps to protect
yourself.
[Text received; ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT
OF PUBLIC HEALTH]
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