Enterovirus D68

Symptoms

  • Mild– fever, runny nose, sneezing, cough, body and muscle aches
  • Severe– wheezing (puffing), difficulty breathing

Spread

  • Person to person through coughing, sneezing, touching a surface that is then touched by others.

Seasonal Infection

  • Most likely to get infected during summer and fall seasons

Risk

  • Infants, children, teenagers are more prone to infection and become ill since they do not fully developed immune system
  • Adults can get infected but they are more likely to have no symptoms or mild symptoms

Treatments

  • No antiviral medications currently available for people who become infected with EV-D68
  • Mild case- can take over-the-counter medications for pain and fever
  • Severe case- hospitalization is highly recommended

Protection/Prevention

  • Wash hands often and properly
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose, mouth with unwashed hands
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes
  • Stay home when sick
  • Frequently disinfect surfaces