Although no cases have been diagnosed in Central Missouri, officials with the Cole County Health Department say hand washing and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces will go a long way to slow the spread Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68), the virus causing respiratory illness in people across the Midwest, including Kansas City and St. Louis.
Enteroviruses are very common, and most do not cause significant disease. However, EV-D68 is a rare type that can cause difficulty breathing and mimic an asthma attack. Most people who are infected will have the symptoms of a common cold, but some may develop severe symptoms and need to seek medical attention.
As with other enteroviruses, EV-D68 appears to spread through close contact with infected people. There is no vaccine or anti-viral medication for this infection, so health officials recommend the following to slow the spread of this virus:
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• 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.
• Stay home when feeling sick and contact your health care provider.
Children with cold-like symptoms that experience difficulty breathing are asked to consult with their family physician for further evaluation. Healthcare providers should be aware of EV-D68 as a potential cause of respiratory distress, and everyone should follow the recommended steps to help slow the spread of this new infection.