Enterovirus D68 Confirmed in 2 NH Children

Two children tested positive for enterovirus D68, the respiratory illness that’s made hundreds of children sick across the nation.

WMUR 9 reported that the two children were treated in the hospital briefly and are already back home. Both are from Hillsborough County and both are under 15 years old.

The two children treated for enterovirus D68 are the first to test positive in New Hampshire. The state confirms samples from 18 other patients are being tested. 

D68 can be spread by coughing, sneezing, or touching contaminated surfaces, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Wash hands, clean surfaces, avoid other sick people and stay current with asthma management,” said Dr. Kevin Petit, executive medial director of the pediatric program at Elliot Hospital. “There’s no treatment specific to the enterovirus - it is simply a matter of trying to manage an increase in asthma symptoms and that’s what leads to these children needing to be hospitalized.”

There are no confirmed cases at Elliot Health Systems where Dr. Petit is monitoring the virus.

Watch the WMUR 9 video below for more information:

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