Enterovirus_for_General_Public

Enterovirus-D68
Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is one of many non-polio enteroviruses. Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68)
infections are thought to occur less commonly than infections with other enteroviruses. EV-
D68 was first identified in California in 1962. Compared with other enteroviruses, EV-D68 has
been rarely reported in the United States for the last 40 years.


EV-D68 Infections Reported
Hospitals in Missouri and Illinois are seeing more children than usual with severe respiratory
illness caused by enterovirus D68.

Several other states are investigating clusters of children with severe respiratory illness,
possibly due to enterovirus D68.

CDC is watching this situation closely and helping the states with testing of specimens.



For General Public
Symptoms
   •   EV-D68 has been reported to cause mild to severe respiratory illness. However, the full
       spectrum of EV-D68 illness is not well-defined.

Transmission
   •   EV-D68 is not frequently identified, so it is less studied and the ways it spreads are not
       as well-understood as other enteroviruses. EV-D68 causes respiratory illness, and the
       virus can be found in respiratory secretions such as saliva, nasal mucus, or sputum. The
       virus likely spreads from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or
       touches contaminated surfaces.

Treatment
   •   There is no specific treatment for EV-D68 infections.
       o Many infections will be mild and self-limited, requiring only treatment of the
          symptoms.
       o Some people with severe respiratory illness caused by EV-D68 may need to be
          hospitalized and receive intensive supportive therapy.
   •   No antiviral medications are currently available for treating of EV-D68 infections.
Prevention
   •   There are no vaccines for preventing EV-D68 infections.
   •   You can help protect yourself from respiratory illnesses by following these steps:
       o Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after changing
          diapers
       o Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
       o Avoid kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick
       o Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if
          someone is sick


For Further Information Please Contact:

Chatham Health District
240 Middletown Avenue, Unit 123
East Hampton, CT 06424
Telephone: (860) 365-0884
www.chathamhealth.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Road Atlanta, GA 30329-4027, USA
800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: (888) 232-6348
www.cdc.gov