First Case Of Enterovirus 68 Confirmed In Florida
MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- The first case of Enterovirus has been confirmed in Florida. Health officials say a 10-year-old girl from Polk County is recovering from the virus, a severe respiratory illness affecting children between the ages of 6 weeks to 16 years old.
"It's a little concerning obviously having kids that are now in jeopardy of contacting this close to Dade County is a little concerning," said Byron Andrews, a worried father.
The Miami-Dade Health Department recently sent a letter to parents through several schools to inform them about the Enterovirus, which is an airborne transmitted disease.
"All of us work in conditions, especially in schools, where all the kids are together so the spread of the disease could be easy. This is why we are seeing so many cases in the U.S. It is airborne so we have to be on the lookout," explained Lillian Rivera with the Health Department of Miami-Dade.
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In order to avoid the spread of Enterovirus D68 health officials make these recommendations:
- Avoid contact with sick people
- Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds
- Don't touch eyes, nose and mouth if your hands are unwashed
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces including toys and doorknobs
- Stay home from work or school when sick
Since people with asthma have a higher risk of respiratory illnesses, health officials are reminding everyone with the condition to take their medications as prescribed and make sure it is under good control. Health officials are also recommending getting a flu vaccine as soon as possible to help prevent another important cause of respiratory illness that could be going around at the same time.
It is important to note that there are no vaccines or specific treatments for this illness.
Difficulty breathing without fever has been a major symptom of those being treated.
Enterovirus D68 has sickened more than 500 people in 43 states and Washington, D.C. — almost all of them children.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said four people infected with the virus have died, but it's unknown what role the virus played in their deaths.
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