Enterovirus D-68 confirmed in Suffolk County; four kids hospitalized

Four cases of enterovirus-D68 in Suffolk County have been confirmed by the New York State Department of Health, Suffolk County Commissioner of Health Services James Tomarken announced yesterday.

All four cases were children under the age of nine. All were hospitalized and all have been discharged to home, according to a Suffolk County health department press release.

A few known additional cases in Suffolk County are currently being tested for EV-D68 by a state laboratory in the Albany area, the health department said.

The virus — one of more than 100 known enteroviruses which until now, has been rarely reported — causes mild to severe respiratory illness. Mild symptoms may include fever, runny nose, sneezing, cough, and body and muscle aches. Severe symptoms may include wheezing and difficulty breathing.  Infants children and teens are most at risk for contracting the virus.

“Most people who contract EV-D68 will experience the same symptoms as they would with the common cold, but it has been reported by the CDC that that EV-D68 has caused serious complications in children who have respiratory illness or are immune-compromised. For this reason, we ask residents to take precautions,” Tomarken said yesterday.

Children with asthma may have a higher risk for severe respiratory illness caused by EV-D68 infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Since children with asthma, wheezing, or underlying medical conditions are at risk for more serious complications, parents should faithfully follow their child’s asthma management plan and regimen,” Suffolk County public health nurse Lauren Barlow said.

There is no specific treatment for people with respiratory illness caused by EV-D68 and no antiviral medications currently available, the CDC said. There is no immunization to prevent it.

“For mild respiratory illness, you can help relieve symptoms by taking over-the-counter medications for pain and fever. Aspirin should not be given to children. Some people with severe respiratory illness may need to be hospitalized,” according to the CDC website.

The virus has spread throughout New York and has been reported in 40 states as of Sept. 26, the CDC said. From mid-August to September 26, there were a total of 277 confirmed cases in the U.S., according to the CDC.

Because the virus is present in an infected person’s respiratory secretions, such as saliva, nasal mucus, or sputum, it spreads from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or touches contaminated surfaces.

Health officials advise residents to:

Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
Avoid kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick
Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick
Keep children who are sick home from school.

EV-D68 can only be diagnosed by doing specific lab tests on specimens from a person’s nose and throat. There is only one lab in N.Y. that can confirm EV-D68 and it is one of only a few nationwide.

The county health department is is reminding local school districts to report any unusual rates of absenteeism or respiratory illness to the Department of Health Services. For information and guidance on dealing with EV-D68, school administrators are advised to visit this website.