4 Children Infected With Enterovirus D68 in Suffolk County

Four cases of Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) in Suffolk County have been confirmed by the New York State Department of Health, county officials said Friday.

In all of the cases in Suffolk, those infected were children under the age of nine. All of the children were hospitalized and have since been discharged, Suffolk County Commissioner of Health Services James Tomarken said.

“These isolated reports indicate that this particular type of enterovirus is currently circulating in Suffolk County as it is throughout New York and the U.S.,” Tomarken said in a news release. “Most people who contract EV-D68 will experience the same symptoms as they would with the common cold, but it has been reported by the CDC that that EV-D68 has caused serious complications in children who have respiratory illness or are immune-compromised. For this reason, we ask residents to take precautions.”

Health officials did not release where in Suffolk County the infected children live.

EV-D68 was first identified in 1962 and like other types of enterovirus, EV-D68 is more likely to be found in the summer and fall months, officials said.

From mid-August to Sept. 26, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or state public health laboratories have confirmed a total of 277 people in 40 states and the District of Columbia with respiratory illness caused by EV-D68.

At this time, Suffolk County health officials are aware that a few additional cases are being tested for EV-D68 by New York State’s Wadsworth Laboratory located in the Albany area. The Wadsworth laboratory is currently the only laboratory in the state that is able to test for EV-D68. Additionally, several samples have tested negative for EV-D68, according to NYSDOH.

“It is important to keep in mind that many other viruses that cause respiratory illness are circulating at this time of the year. Not all clusters or outbreaks of respiratory illness are due to EV-D68,” said Dr. Shaheda Iftikhar, Director of Public Health and infectious disease specialist. “Because there are no immunizations for preventing EV-D68, we advise residents to protect themselves by following a few simple precautions.”

Residents are advised to:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick
• Keep children who are sick home from school.

“Since children with asthma, wheezing, or underlying medical conditions are at risk for more serious complications, parents should faithfully follow their child’s asthma management plan and regimen. In addition, all persons, age 6 months and older, should receive annual flu shots,” said Lauren Barlow, a public health nurse and specialist in epidemiology.

Although neither doctors nor hospitals are required to report individual enterovirus cases to the local county health department, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services is working closely with NYSDOH and local hospitals to monitor the spread of the EV-D68 and look for signs of increase in respiratory-related illnesses, officials said.

Tomarken said local school districts should report any unusual rates of absenteeism or respiratory illness to the Department of Health Services.

Image via Shutterstock

Have a news tip? Email ryan@patch.com. You can also post your own news, events and announcements on Patch by following these directions. Curious about how our new commenting platform, Disqus, works? Learn more about it here and start interacting with your neighbors on Patch.