First Case Of Enterovirus-D68 Confirmed In Florida
TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami) – A 10-year-old Tampa area girl is recovering from the Enterovirus, it's the first confirmed case of the disease in the state of Florida, according to the Florida Department of Health.
The girl is recovering in Polk County.
Enteroviruses are transmitted through close contact with an infected person, or by touching objects or surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching the mouth, nose or eyes.
"The most effective way to prevent enteroviruses is to practice good hygiene regularly by washing hands often," said Deputy Secretary for Health and Deputy State Health Officer for Children's Medical Services, Dr. Celeste Philip. "Those having cold-like or flu-like symptoms should stay home from child care centers, school or work and, if possible, remain apart from other family members."
Enterovirus D68 can cause mild to severe respiratory illness and can attack the nervous system in severe cases. There's no vaccine or specific treatment, and symptoms include fever, runny nose, sneezing, cough, and body and muscle aches. Some children have more serious illness with breathing difficulty and wheezing, especially children with a history of asthma.
More than 500 cases have been reported in 43 states. Four people with the virus have died, although it's unclear what role the germ played.
Like RSV and the flu, EV-D68, is highly contagious.
Frequent hand washing and non-alcohol surface disinfectants are recommended since alcohol-based hand sanitizers and disinfectants have not been found to be effective against EV-D68.
Other prevention measures include:
- Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow;
- Avoiding sharing cups and eating utensils;
- Refraining from kissing those with symptoms;
- Frequently cleaning potentially contaminated surfaces (doorknobs, countertops, tables, toys, etc.) using a bleach solution (1 part bleach and 9 parts water).
Call the doctor if you or your child has any of these symptoms:
- wheezing
- trouble breathing
- high fever with ill appearance
- thick nasal discharge
- signs of dehydration
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