CHEYENNE - A strain of respiratory illness that has infected more than 220 people in 38 states has made its way to Wyoming.The state Department of Health on Thursday reported two confirmed cases of enterovirus D68. One case was reported in Campbell County, the other in Lincoln County.According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, enterovirus D68 is one of more than 100 such enteroviruses, and this particular strain was first identified in 1962.But while it's hardly a novel disease, the strain of D68 currently making the rounds is unusual in that it's being blamed for numerous hospitalizations of children who are presenting more severe symptoms.Enterovirus D68 symptoms usually include fever, runny nose, sneezing, cough, and body and muscle aches. However, more severe cases also include wheezing and difficulty breathing.'In the past, the enterovirus 68 has caused some sporadic or small clusters of respiratory illness,' said Wyoming state epidemiologist Dr. Tracy Murphy. 'This year, it seems to be identified in a lot more cases than in the past. Why this year the enterovirus 68 seems to be so common is not known.'Health Department spokeswoman Kim Deti said that while most doctor's offices can test for enterovirus, they usually aren't equipped to determine the subtype. Most cases of D68 being positively identified are due to hospitalizations, where samples have been sent to the CDC in Atlanta for confirmation.'Not many people are going to get that subtyping,' Deti said. 'Only the children who are seriously ill are going to go to the hospital and get the testing done for that subtyping.'For the most part, however, Murphy said the only children exhibiting severe symptoms seem to be those with some underlying respiratory issue, most often asthma. For that reason, he said, parents of children with asthma should ensure their child is following their normal asthma protocols carefully.'What we really want folks to do is pay attention to their kids this season, and if they develop a respiratory illness, just watch it closely to make sure it doesn't become more severe,' Murphy said. 'If the child starts wheezing, develops labored breath, those would be signs the parents need to seek care from their provider.'For most children, however, enterovirus symptoms can be handled in much the same way one handles the common cold. That means bed rest, drinking plenty of fluids and taking acetaminophen for aches and fever.'Kids should not take aspirin for these types of illnesses,' Murphy noted.As for avoiding contracting the virus, Deti noted there are no specific antibiotics or vaccines for enterovirus. As such, she said children and adults alike should employ the same precautions they would take to avoid other respiratory illnesses like the cold or flu.Those precautions include: washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; avoiding kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick; and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.'It's the same common-sense precautions we give for avoiding other viruses,' Deti said.
Published on: Friday, Sep 26, 2014 - 10:49:59 pm MDT
James Chilton
General Assignment Reporter
