Enterovirus 68 causes respiratory illness that has a lot of neurological issues with symptoms like paralysis, nervous breakdown and muscle weakness. In Colorado, a number of children have been affected by this virus.
Between 8 th of August 8 th and 17 th of September, 9 cases of infection in children were confirmed by the Colorado health officials, who showed symptoms that were related to the Enterovirus 68. All of these children developed neurological symptoms and also children, who have asthma or other respiratory issues, showed severe breathing problems.
The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that the District of Columbia has been affected, except for 10 states and there were over 277 confirmed cases, out of which most of the affected ones are children. Further, the health officials have been called in to investigate and look for symptoms.
According to the director of Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, there is no need to panic as the number of cases is very less and proper health measures are being put in place. Further, the health officials do not think that it looks like polio infection because over 80% of the affected children are regularly on their polio vaccinations. Eight patients showing symptoms were tested by CDC and four of them tested positive for Enterovirus -68, while the other two tested positive for different strains of Enterovirus, which have been unidentified.
In this fall season, outbreaks of Enterovirus and Rhinovirus are common. In most cases, if the symptoms are not severe, they go undiagnosed. However, this year the outbreak is a little complicated since the disease has been severely affecting children suffering from respiratory issues. All confirmed cases are still hospitalised. CDC further added that no cases of seizures or altered mental state have been reported. Further, the doctors are also watchful for any acute onset of limb weakness. MRI has to be conducted to check for any large lesions in the grey matter of the spinal cord.
The officials are planning to hold meeting for the school nurses and they have asked the parents to keep an eye on their children for symptoms like skin rashes, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, fever, mouth blisters and body and muscle aches. Hygienic practices like washing the hand with a good soap for about 20 seconds, avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands, sharing cups, avoiding kissing and hugging the infected, should be done, as suggested by the health officials.
Posted by Unknown on Tuesday, September 30, 2014 - Rating: 4.5
0 comments "Severe Enterovirus 68 Outbreak Hits Children More"
Post a Comment