New Case of Enterovirus Confirmed in Camden County

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed a second pediatric case of Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) in Camden County, the Camden County Department of Health and Human services announced Tuesday evening.

This is the fourth confirmed case of the disease in southern New Jersey. One case was confirmed in Camden County on Oct. 1, and the other two were reported in Burlington County.

Information pertaining to the children, the schools they attend or the towns they live in has not been released.

A total of 14 cases have been reported throughout the state.

“The most important thing you can do to keep your family healthy this season is to teach them the importance of washing their hands,” Camden County Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the Camden County Health Department, said. “Parents should monitor their children’s health, and have them seen by a doctor if they develop any symptoms that are out of the ordinary.”

Typically, EV-D68 causes upper respiratory symptoms such as cough, runny nose, sneezing and body/muscle aches and possibly low-grade fever.

If children become ill, parents should consult with their health care provider.

New Jersey, like the rest of the U.S., is in the middle of the respiratory virus season. Many different viruses are common this time of year, including influenza, rhinovirus and more than 100 other types of enteroviruses.

Good hand hygiene is your best defense against getting infected with enterovirus:

• Washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers. Hand sanitizers are not effective against entroviruses
• Avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoiding kissing, hugging, and sharing cup or eating utensils with people who are sick
• Disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick

Enteroviruses are transmitted through close contact with an infected person, or by touching objects or surfaces that are contaminated with the virus and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.

Answers to frequently asked questions about enteroviruses and EV-D68 can be found here.