DHHS: 6 cases of Enterovirus D68 in NC
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- There are now confirmed cases of enterovirus across North Carolina and fears among parents about the mysterious illness are on the rise. The virus is contagious and children are more susceptible.
ABC11 reached out to local hospitals. Officials said they are still trying to figure out if they have any confirmed cases.
DHHS says the virus can easily spread at day care centers, schools, and playgrounds like Pullen Park.
"I'll be watching them even more carefully than normal," said parent Julie Hayes.
Parents, who visited Pullen Park Tuesday, are really taking extra precautions now that there are six confirmed cases of the enterovirus, which is a respiratory illness.
"He had a respiratory virus a year ago and that was horrible," said parent Vanessa Doyle of her 2-year-old son, Jackson. "He had to wear a face mask and all of that for a couple weeks. So this sounds even worse."
DHHS said not a lot is known about the virus or the scope of illness it can cause. Dr. Zack Moore says kids with asthma are being hit hard.
"It's important to make sure they're taking any regularly prescribed medicines and that they've got their disease under good control so if they do get exposed to this virus, it's not going to land them in the hospital," said Moore.
Some of the virus' symptoms are runny noses, coughing, mouth sores, fever, body aches, and wheezing.
Health officials are recommending that people take the following actions to protect themselves from infection with EV-D68 and other respiratory illnesses:
1. Wash hands vigorously and often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers.
2. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
3. Avoid kissing, hugging and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick.
4. Frequently disinfect touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.
Doyle plans to take all of the precautions to keep her child safe.
"I hate when he gets sick. It just kills me so," said Doyle. "I don't want him to have anything worse than a common cold."
There is not a vaccine to combat this virus. Medical professional say prevention really is key.
For more information, visit the CDC website on enterovirus D68: http://www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/about/ev-d68.html.
