Sunday, October 12, 2014

Dr. Marc Siegel: 6 things all parents should know about Enterovirus D68

There are more than 100 known varieties of non-polio enteroviruses in the world, and they cause 10 to 15 million infections every year, ranging from the common cold (rhinovirus), to hand, foot, and mouth disease (coxsackie), to meningitis and gastrointestinal illness. Enteroviruses are harbored in the GI tract, but they can cause symptoms all over the body depending on strain.
But what’s so unique about this strain of enterovirus D68, which was first identified in California in the 1960s? And why is it re-emerging now? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 500 cases have been identified in 42 U.S. states. But that’s likely an underestimation because many cases may go unreported.
While adults can get the virus, children are more likely to have severe symptoms.
Here are six questions many parents have about enterovirus D68:
1. What makes this strain unique?
It is a respiratory strain that is especially sickening to young children with asthma, leading to numerous hospitalizations and — though health officials say it's unclear what role the virus played— has even been linked to four deaths. Parents of young children with asthma in infected areas should take their children to the pediatrician if they show any symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, fever, body aches, runny nose, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Young children have little lung reserve, so early treatment is crucial.
2. When will it end?
Enteroviruses are most common in the fall and generally tend to peter out by November. We don’t know if this strain will follow the usual fall cycle or last into the winter months.
Read the rest of the story HERE and watch a related video below:



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