Southwest Nebraska – Health Department of Southwest Nebraska offers public health tips to prevent spread of Enterovirus (EV-D68) infections, which is common during summer and fall.
More children have been infected with severe respiratory ailments caused by EV-D68 within Nebraska’s neighboring states. The state Health and Human Services Department said these cases are more than the usual, as number of patients in urgent care clinics and other health facilities have increased similarly.
Health officials added EV-D68 is associated with nearly 100 known types, although the specific infection tends to occur less often. EV-D68 infections are basically spread through close contact with infected individuals. Since it is a respiratory ailment, it could worsen asthma attacks and other respiratory conditions.
People who are infected with EV-D68 will surely need an urgent care and treatment, but there is still no known vaccine against the infection. Thus, health officials offer public health tips, urging parents to consult with their doctors, especially when some respiratory symptoms are noticed among their children, including strained breathing, difficulty in breathing, quick breathing, and that with wheezing. Fever is also associated with EV-D68 symptoms.
Perkins County Health physician Kristi Kohl conversed with several doctors through a conference call on September 16, Tuesday. Kohl was able to speak with the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Dr. Susan Gerber, University of Chicago’s Dr. Daniel Johnson, and the University of Missouri’s Dr. Mary Ann Johnson. The health officials were able to converse about measures that could help prevent the spread of EV-D68 infections.
Additionally, the occurrence of severe respiratory illnesses in nursing homes, day care centers, urgent care clinic, or any other facility will be tested for the Enterovirus infection, officials said. As a sort of an urgent care near me prevention among individuals, masks have been made available for patients in establishments susceptible to the contagious disease.
The public health tips contain guidelines in reducing risk of the said infection, including the often washing of hands with soap for 20 seconds. This is more so after diaper-changing or diaper-disposal. Health officials also remind people not to touch the mouth, nose, and eyes with hands left unwashed.
To avoid the spread of EV-D68 infections, people are also advised to avoid kissing and hugging sick people, or sharing cups, and other utensils with them. The frequent disinfection of surfaces like doorknobs and toys is likewise recommended. Moreover, officials suggested individuals to stay home when sick, or to seek professional consultation immediately.
Dr. Kohl pointed out that EV-D68 infections have cold-like symptoms, considering the children as the most prone to the disease. Hence, following the public health tips, especially by parents could relatively help in reducing the risk and spread of the virus.
