Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) Update
Louisiana Confirmed Cases
The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) confirmed two cases of the Enterovirus D68 in the Capital Area. Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is one of many enteroviruses that are very common in the United States and typically flare up in the fall months. Since children are the most susceptible to contracting EV-D68, DHH is encouraging parents to take simple steps to help prevent the spread of EV-D68, such as encouraging children to wash their hands, cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing, and to avoid sharing food or drink with people who are sick.
General Guidance for parents:
EV-D68 presents with cold-like symptoms, such as fever, coughing, body aches and a runny nose. It may also cause breathing problems or wheezing. Children with asthma or other respiratory illness are the most susceptible to being infected with EV-D68. When parents notice high fever, dehydration or trouble breathing they should immediately take their child in to see their primary care provider or to see a provider at an urgent care clinic.
"The best step we can all take now is to help prevent spread of the virus by using the same tools we do for the flu - wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough, and don't share food or drinks with people who are sick," said DHH Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Takeisha Davis. "Close contact with our loved ones may also encourage the spread of the virus, so avoid hugging or kissing someone who is sick and make sure to clean surfaces such as doorknobs and handles that may have been touched by someone who is sick."
More information about EV-D68 is available on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control website here: http://www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/about/EV-D68.html.
Information for Providers:
The United States is currently experiencing a nationwide outbreak of Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) associated with severe respiratory disease. The possible linkage of this cluster of neurologic disease to this large EV-D68 outbreak is part of the current investigation. CDC is seeking information about other similar neurologic illnesses in all states, especially cases clustered in time and place. CDC has particular interest in characterizing the epidemiology and etiology of such cases.
Patients who meet the following case definition should be reported to Louisiana Infectious Disease Epidemiology:
Patients <21 years of age with:
- Acute onset of focal limb weakness occurring on or after August 1, 2014; and
- An MRI showing a spinal cord lesion largely restricted to gray matter.
Based on CDC guidance we will work with providers to facilitate testing of stool, respiratory, and cerebrospinal fluid specimens for Enterovirus, West Nile Virus, and other known infectious etiologies.
To report suspect cases or for any questions please call 1-800-256-2748 or email julie.hand@la.gov
Click here to view the CDC Health Advisory from September 26, 2014 and a brief patient summary form that we will be collecting on any suspected cases.
Link to LA DHH page about Enterovirus.
