What you need to know about the Enterovirus D68

For context, in 2014 there was a breakout of Enterovirus D68 across North America in which the virus caused clusters of respiratory disease, primarily in the US. The illness seemed to primarily show up in Midwestern states, but there were cases that showed up in almost every state in the US. Prior to this Outbreak, it was fairly uncommon to see cases at all. This was a report I wrote on the outbreak back in 2014 during High School.

What is it?

Enterovirus D68 is a mild virus caused by Enterovirus D. It belongs to the same genus as all three species of rhinoviruses, the genus Enterovirus, which causes diseases like the common cold. It is a member of the Picornaviridae family and was first isolated in California in 1962. Once considered to be rare, there has been a general increase in cases worldwide since the 21st century.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms can range from your typical cold-like symptoms, like fever, runny nose, sneezing, cough, and body and muscles aches, to more severe problems associated with breathing and polio-like symptoms.

“If you see the skin pulling in between the ribs or above the collarbone, or if there’s any wheezing, those are clear signs that a child needs to be evaluated,” says Roya Samuels, MD.

How is it Diagnosed?

The disease can only be diagnosed by doing specific lab tests on specimens from a person’s nose and throat. Most hospitals, however, will not do this because it is tedious and some hospitals don’t even have the materials needed to do this.

How Does it Spread?

The disease spreads through saliva, nasal mucus, or sputum typically, but also likely spreads through an infected person coughs, sneezes, or if a person touches a surface and infected person touched.

Who is at Risk?

Anyone can get it, but infants, children and teens are the most at risk, but the main cause for concern is for children who have other conditions, like asthma or some allergies. Children younger than 5 are especially at risk. Although the the illness mostly a concern for younger children, adults with asthma and immunosuppression have also been reported.

Where is the outbreak?

The most prominent cases are in the Midwest, but it seems that it’s continuing to spread across the United States into more outer states gradually.

Why, of all times, now?

The most likely reason for there to be an outbreak now is the start of school and the changing weather. The changes in weather can cause asthma and allergies to worsen, making them more susceptible to sickness and the opening of school makes spreading disease far more easy.

How can it be treated?

Because it is a virus, it can not be treated with Antibiotics. The only way to get better is to let the disease run its course and rest.

How can it be prevented?

The best way to prevent it is to steer clear of the virus is by washing hands and staying up to date on personal hygiene. Another is to avoid contact with individuals who may have Enterovirus D68. Just like with any sickness, you need to proceed with caution when dealing with it.

Works Cited

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 01 Oct. 2014. Web. 06 Oct. 2014.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 03 Oct. 2014. Web. 06 Oct. 2014.

"What Does It Look like When Children Might Have Enterovirus 68?" Washington Post. The Washington Post. Web. 06 Oct. 2014.

"What Is Enterovirus 68, the Mysterious Illness That Is Sickening Hundreds of Children?" Washington Post. The Washington Post. Web. 06 Oct. 2014.