FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Mary G. McIntyre, M.D., M.P.H., (334) 206-5325
The Alabama Department of Public Health is investigating clusters of children with suspected Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68). As of Sept. 15, results show 4 of 6 specimens from Mobile County sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are positive for EV-D68. One of the specimens was positive for Coxsackievirus B3 and the remaining one was negative.
Health care providers have been asked to report clusters of cases. While individual cases of EV-D68 do not require reporting, a cluster must be reported.
In general, enteroviruses have various symptoms, including mild respiratory, fever, rash and neurologic illness. EV-D68 has more severe respiratory symptoms. There is no vaccine; treatment depends on the symptoms, and prevention is very important. To prevent EV-D68 and all other communicable viruses like influenza, people need to
- Wash their hands frequently
- Cover their cough
- Keep children home if ill
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid kissing, hugging, and sharing cups and eating utensils with sick people
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs
If you or a family member has severe respiratory symptoms, please contact your doctor and follow his/her advice.
-30-
9/15/14