Three Cases of Enterovirus Confirmed in South Jersey

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

This is the seventh case of the disease reported in New Jersey, and third in the southern portion of the state. The other two cases in South Jersey are in Burlington County, while cases have also been reported in Morris, Essex, Passaic and Somerset counties.

All seven children have been released from the hospital and are recovering.

The children range in age from 1 to 9-years-old.

No further information is being released about the children.

“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.”

Although this is the first case reported in Camden County, it was reported last week that local hospitals have taken steps to limit the spread of the disease.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 472 cases of EV-D68 have been confirmed in 41 states and the District of Columbia since mid-August.

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.