Enterovirus D68 confirmed in Chatham-Kent

The Chatham-Kent Health Unit is advising parents to be aware of the respiratory virus enterovirus D68.

Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is a respiratory infection, related to the common cold virus, that causes respiratory illness that can range from mild to severe. North America has seen an increase in cases since August of this year, with some cases recently appearing in Ontario.

There has been one case without serious illness confirmed in Chatham-Kent.

Parents should be aware that:

– Most children will present with a cold like illness with runny nose, fever, and coughing.

– More serious symptoms related to severe infections include wheezing and difficulty breathing. Parents should seek medical attention if their children have these symptoms.

– Children and teenagers appear to be at increased risk of infection.

– Children under 6 and those with asthma seem to be more susceptible for severe illness.

– There is no vaccination for the virus.

– Treatment includes administering plenty of fluids and nutrition and ensuring your child gets plenty of rest.

– Most children fully recover on their own.

EV-D68 can spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing, by close contact with infected persons or by touching a contaminated surface.

Here are some recommendations to protect you and your children from EV-D68 as well as other illnesses that are circulating in our community.

– Teach your children to wash their hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

– Encourage children to avoid touching their noses and eyes as much as possible.

– Teach your children to cough or sneeze into a tissue or their sleeve. Dispose of the tissue immediately and practice good hand hygiene.

– Stay at least two meters (six feet) away from people who are ill.

– Encourage children not to share personal items such as eating utensils or drinks.

– Frequently clean surfaces and objects that are commonly touched.

– If your children are sick, keep them at home until they are feeling well and are able to fully participate in all normal day-to-day activities.

– Ensure your children’s immunizations are up to date.

– Eat healthy foods and be physically active to keep your immune system strong.

Health Unit staff will continue to monitor the situation both locally and provincially.

For more information please contact 519.355.1071 ext. 5902.