First Case Of Enterovirus D68 Reported In Denton County
DENTON, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) - Denton County has recorded its first case of enterovirus D68 according to the Denton County Health Department.
The pediatric case of EV-D68 was reported to the Health Dept last Thursday afternoon.
According to officials, the patient was hospitalized, and has been released.
"We are reminding parents to take sick children with an unexplained respiratory infection to their healthcare provider, specifically children with asthma," says Dr. Matt Richardson, Denton County Health Department Director. "When we see illnesses like this that have no specific treatment other than supportive care, we return to the basics of prevention. Hand washing, limiting exposure of sick kids to school settings and seeing the doctor when the child's condition worsens are still the most important things parents can do."
EV-D68 can cause 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
In general, infants, children, and teenagers are most likely to get enteroviruses, because they do not yet have immunity (protection) from previous exposures to these viruses. Children with asthma are more at risk for severe respiratory illness caused by EV-D68 infection.
There are no antiviral medications or specific treatment for EV-D68.
For mild cases, over-the-counter pain or fever medications may be used.
People with more severe respiratory illness caused by EV-D68 may require hospitalization.
(©2014 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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