Camden County Official Says Enterovirus Cases Are Raising Vigilance There
By Mike DeNardo
CAMDEN, N.J. (CBS) -- Now that a second pediatric case of enterovirus D68 has been confirmed in Camden County, county authorities say there is no reason for alarm.
This second pediatric case in Camden County is one of 14 confirmed cases of enterovirus D68 in New Jersey.
No information is being released about the child, but Camden County freeholder Carmen Rodriguez -- liaison to the county health department -- says it was first reported about a month ago.
"In the grand scheme of things, it means we have to keep our eyes open. And we are. My health officer is watching this very carefully. He's in close communication with the state. We are definitely watching," she tells KYW Newsradio.
The CDC has confirmed the seasonal virus in 43 states.
Concerns were heightened after a Mercer County preschooler with the virus died last month. But Rodriguez notes that normal health precautions, such as frequent hand washing, can control the spread of the virus.
Meanwhile, Rodriguez says parents should keep an eye out for symptoms in their children but shouldn't panic.
"If they have a little sniffle, if they're running a slight fever, don't fear the worst," she advises, adding to call a doctor if the symptoms get serious.