Enterovirus D68 Makes its Way to Tampa Bay

Florida’s first case of Enterovirus D68 has been confirmed in Hillsborough County.

The case in question involves a child from Polk County who was treated and released from a hospital in Hillsborough County, Steve Huard, spokesman for the Hillsborough County Health Department said.

The respiratory infection has sickened a total of 628 people across 44 states and the District of Columbia as of Tuesday, according to the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.

Dr. Celeste Philip, Florida’s deputy secretary for health and deputy state health officer for children’s medical services, is warning people with cold or flu-like symptoms to stay home and away from childcare facilities, school and work, according to WFLA.

Enterovirus D68 is a virus that can cause mild to severe respiratory illness. Its mild symptoms include runny nose, fever, sneezing, cough and aches, according to the CDC. Severe symptoms include wheezing and difficulty breathing. The virus is spread through contact with respiratory secretions, such as saliva or nasal mucus.

Enteroviruses on the whole are common, but EV-D68 outbreaks such as those seen this year are not, the CDC reported. Small numbers of cases have been reported on a regular basis to the CDC since 1987.

“However, this year the number of people reported with confirmed EV-D68 is much greater than that reported in previous years,” the agency’s website says.

The outbreak began in mid-August and has continued since. Most recently, a 4-year-old New Jersey boy died of the virus. State health officials there confirmed the virus’ connection to the death earlier this week. The boy died at home Sept. 25, according to Fox News.

Preventing the Spread

The CDC says people can take steps to prevent themselves from contracting EV-D68 and other respiratory illnesses by:

• Washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Avoiding touching their nose, mouth and eyes with unwashed hands
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
• Covering coughs and sneezes with tissues or sleeves instead of hands
• Disinfecting frequently handled surfaces
• Staying home when sick

For more information about EV-D68, visit the CDC’s website.

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