Dear Patients,

            You may have heard about Enterovirus D68 (E-D68) recently. E-D68 belongs to a group of viruses called non-polio enteroviruses. The virus can be found in an infected person's respiratory secretions, such as saliva, nasal mucus, or sputum. These viruses spread from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or touches contaminated surfaces.

            Usually, this group of viruses causes no illness at all or symptoms of the common cold, such as runny nose, sneezing, and cough. Some non-polio enterovirus infections may cause conjunctivitis, hand, foot, and mouth disease, or viral meningitis.

            E-D68 is most likely to infect infants, children, and teenagers because they do not yet have immunity from previous exposures to these viruses. What makes E-D68 different is that it may cause severe difficulty breathing or wheezing, especially in children who have asthma. Although some state health departments and the CDC can do specific testing for E-D68 infection, theses tests are not widely available. Since there is no specific treatment for people with respiratory illness caused by EV-D68, treatment focuses on managing the symptoms, such as pain and fever.

            E-D68 infection has been reported in 38 states, including California, and over 200 cases have been confirmed. Any child with wheezing or difficulty breathing should be evaluated, even if there is no fever. To slow transmission of E-D68 and other enteroviruses, the California Department of Health recommends frequent hand washing, avoiding contact with eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, or sharing utensils or cups or kissing and hugging people who are sick. Finally, keep children home from school if they have active symptoms of an infection.

            Remember, also, that flu season is approaching. Like E-D68, influenza can cause severe lung infection, especially in young children and those with underlying medical conditions, like asthma. Fortunately, influenza can be prevented with the flu vaccine, which is now available in our office. Please schedule an appointment for your child's flu vaccine as soon as possible before flu season hits. Also, please feel free to contact our office if you have any questions regarding E-D68 infection.           

Sources for above, and for further information:

CDC Website, Non-polio enterovirus

http://www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/about/EV-D68.html

EV-D68: Easy steps you can take to avoid spreading enterovirus infection

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-california-virus-tips-20140919-story.html

Sincerely,

The Pediatric and Allergy Group