Twelve New Confirmed Cases Enterovirus-D68 in Connecticut

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed three cases of Enterovirus-D68 at the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.

“We already knew there was a strong possibility it was here,” said Dr. Nicholas Bennett, medical director of infectious diseases and immunology at the center in a release. “We sent in samples to help the CDC track the virus and its spread across the nation.”

The confirmation won’t change the way the center is delivering care or treating suspected Enterovirus-D68 patients. A total of six samples were sent to the CDC and three came back positive for the virus.

“Because Enterovirus is a virus there is no treatment, except for treatments for the wheezing, the same as you would for any other asthma attack,” Bennett said. “It seems to be easily treated and kids are generally getting better quickly, in a few days.”

There have been no cases of paralysis caused by Enterovirus D-68 at the center. The CDC is investigating possible links to the virus and paralysis.

Yale-New Haven Hospital has had seven confirmed cases of the virus and Danbury Hospital had two, according to NBC Connecticut.

The following is from the medical center on symptoms and prevention:

Although it appears Connecticut Enterovirus cases have already peaked- concerned parents can monitor their children for the following symptoms:

• Runny nose, sneezing, coughing

• Skin rash

• Mouth blisters

• Body and muscle aches

• Fever

Symptoms of Enterovirus-D68 typically last a week and children rarely experience any lasting health problems. That being said, care for the virus is usually supportive and similar to that of a common cold. Only a small percentage of patients will require hospitalization for their symptoms, especially if these patients suffer from severe respiratory issues, like asthma.