Enterovirus D-68 Case Confirmed in NJ Girl, Four Being Tested at Valley Hospital

A case of enterovirus D68, which has sent children from across the U.S. to the hospital, has been confirmed in New Jersey, according to the CDC.

The CDC announced Wednesday a New Jersey girl is currently being treated in a Philadelphia hospital from an illness caused by the rare form of entervirus, NorthJersey.com reported.

Four children who have confirmed cases of enterovirus have also been admitted to Ridgewood’s Valley Hospital, though it is still unknown if they have the rare form of enterovirus.

Regular enterovirus is common, with more than 10 million cases annually. Entervirous D68, however, is a rare form that causes fever, sneezing, runny nose, body and muscle aches and coughing.

Since August, about 130 people in 12 different states have been ill with EV-D68.

But Englewood Hospital and Medical Center’s Dr. Steve Weisholtz said we shouldn’t really fear the virus, just focus on discussing ways to help prevent its spread.

“I don’t think that we need to be fearful of it, it’s a virus that causes a common cold-like syndrome. In some susceptible children it can be more severe. What we should be encouraging the children to do is wash their hands, try not to touch their face with their hands, not share with other children in the classroom particularly if someone else is ill, things that the children should be taught to do all the time, ” Dr. Weisholtz told My9.

While there isn’t any medication for EV-D68, mild symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter pain and fever medication.