Enterovirus Breaks Out in the Midwest: Officials Urge Caution

Hundreds of children across the country are being hospitalized with severe cold-like symptoms. The Children’s Hospital Colorado has seen an increase of between 12 and 15 percent of emergency room vistas from last year.

The culprit: Enterovirus D68, also known as EV-D68. The CDC confirmed that samples from children in Illinois and Kansas City, Mo., could point to a regional outbreak.

Enteroviruses are actually very common and are often responsible for bad summer colds. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and body aches. While it is not unusual for the enteroviruses to peak at this time of year, EV-D68 as never been so common in the US, nor has it sent so many children to the emergency room.

Will Cornejo, a teenager who suffered asthma, contracted the virus. Pix 11 spoke to his mother.

“He just passed out, had his eyes rolled back in his head,” she said.

His father was also quoted, saying, “To go from a cold to being probably minutes away from death, that’s scary.”

The virus is also disproportionately affecting children this time around. Health care officials guess that students’ return to school could be contributing to the rapid spread of the disease. 

Vaccines for EV-D68 are not yet available, and there is no specific treatment, which contributes to the high number of hospitalizations.

The virus has hit Colorado and Missouri hardest, but Kansas, Illinois, Ohio, and Indiana have reported more than 70 new cases a day. Other states affected include: Alabama, Michigan, Georgie, Iowa, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Utah.

To reduce the risk of infection, individuals should wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers; avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; avoid kissing, hugging and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick; disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as toys and doorknobs; and stay home when feeling sick.

“If you, or your child, are experiencing cold-like symptoms and are having difficulty breathing, contact your healthcare provider right away,” said Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck of the Illinois Public Health Deparrment.