3 cases of Enterovirus reported in Triangle
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WTVD) -- Three patients at UNC Children's Hospital have tested positive for the enterovirus. The children's ages are not being released, but they are the first cases reported in the Triangle.
Meanwhile, a Franklin County mom told ABC11 her 11-year-old spent days at WakeMed after contracting the virus. It happened just one day after the girl just came home from school sick.
About two weeks ago, Lisa Esquivel-Clark said she rushed her daughter to the hospital. By the time they got to the Emergency Room, the girl was hunched over, coughing and gasping for air.
"For her to get it, I was just a little taken back a little bit," said Esquivel-Clark.
The mother said the middle schooler was tested for Enterovirus and the results came back positive. The girl was quickly quarantined.
"You have to put the masks on and the full yellow suit," said Esquivel-Clark.
The child was receiving treatments every two hours.
"She didn't sleep for 24 hours," said Esquivel-Clark.
The 11-year-old does have severe asthma. Medical professionals say kids with that condition are more susceptible to contracting the virus. The girl was the only one in Esquivel-Clark's family who became ill.
"Me and my husband... I have two other daughters. We didn't get sick," said Esquivel-Clark.
Esquivel-Clark says it was difficult seeing her daughter stuck in a hospital room for five days.
"It was definitely hard," she said. "When she started to be able to breathe, that's when she wants everything out and to go home."
The girl is home now and has returned to school.
WakeMed told ABC11 that they do not have any confirmed cases of EV-68. However, they have had hundreds of suspected cases. Testing has been sent to the CDC.
Some of the virus' symptoms are runny noses, coughing, mouth sores, fever, body aches, and wheezing.
Health officials recommend 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.
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.
