Health Officials Urge People To Take Basic Precautions To Prevent Spread Of Enterovirus
(CBS) -- Chicago health officials say there's an increase in respiratory problems at some emergency rooms, but how many and why has yet to be determined.
Dr. Stephanie Black with the Chicago Public Health Department of Health says some of the respiratory admissions are probably D68.
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"There are over 100 types of enteroviruses. Most people infected with enteroviruses don't get sick," said Dr. Black.
Dr. Allison Bartlett at the University of Chicago says the Emergency Room has been overflowing with up to 100 pediatric patients per day, 40 to 50 percent of them with respiratory problems.
Northwest Community Hospital in Elgin is seeing 40 pediatric patients daily instead of about 25, but solid elsewhere numbers are hard to come by. But everybody agrees, hand washing is the best way to reduce the incident of whatever's going around.
There are no confirmed cases of enterovirus D68 in Chicago Public Schools and city health officials want to keep it that way. They say knowledge is power.
CPS sent out a fact sheet Tuesday to parents about ways to prevent the spread of enterovirus.
"Just encouraging people to be cognizant of touching door knobs, playing with toys if kids are sick," said Dr. Stephanie Whyte, CPS Chief Health Officer.
The sheet says to clean frequently touched surfaces like door knobs and toys, wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers and don't touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
Another important tip, if you or your child are sick, stay home. That way, you don't spread enterovirus, to others. It's also highly recommended to get the flu vaccine, now that the flu season is coming.
