CDC Confirms First Case of Enterovirus D68 in Vermont Child
Health Department Reminds Parents and Care Providers to be Watchful
BURLINGTON - The Vermont Department of Health today received the first confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention that enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is circulating in the state.
Of the two results received today, one was positive for EV-D68 and one was negative. The positive result was from a child younger than school age, who has since recovered.
"This confirms what we expected - that this particular virus is circulating in Vermont just as it is in most other states," said Patsy Kelso, state epidemiologist for infectious disease.
EV-D68 is one type of virus from a group of very common viruses called enterorviruses. The U.S. is currently experiencing a nationwide outbreak of EV-D68 associated with severe respiratory illness, but not all respiratory illnesses occurring now are caused by EV-D68.
"This is the season for respiratory illnesses - including enteroviruses - but we are not seeing any unusual increase or pattern of illness around the state," said Kelso. "We are reminding care providers and parents to be watchful and to get medical attention for anyone who is having difficulty breathing, or if symptoms are getting worse."
EV-D68 can cause infections with mild to severe respiratory illness, or no symptoms at all. Mild symptoms may include fever, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and body and muscle aches. Severe symptoms may include wheezing and difficulty breathing.
Anyone can get infected with enteroviruses, but infants, children and teens who get infected are more likely to get sick. Children with asthma are at risk for severe symptoms from EV-D68 and other respiratory illnesses.
Enteroviruses, just like a cold or the flu, are spread through coughing or sneezing, contact with an infected person, or by touching objects or surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching the mouth, nose or eyes. Not all clusters or outbreaks of respiratory illness occurring now are due to EV-D68.
To help keep illness from spreading:
* Wash hands often and well with soap and water for 20 seconds
* Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
* Avoid close contact such as kissing, hugging and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick, or when you are sick
* Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or shirt sleeve - not your hands
* Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs
* Stay home and away from others when you are sick
There is no specific treatment for people with respiratory illness caused by EV-D68. It's important to stay as healthy as possible, and the Health Department advises anyone age 6 months and older to get vaccinated against the flu as early in the season as possible.
What We Know
- EV-D68 infections have recently been documented across the United States.
- From mid-August to October 3, 2014, CDC or state public health laboratories have confirmed a total of 538 people in 43 states and the District of Columbia with respiratory illness caused by EV-D68. Learn about states with confirmed cases. This indicates that at least one case has been detected in each state listed but does not indicate how widespread infections are in each state.
- Enteroviruses commonly circulate in summer and fall. We’re currently in middle of the enterovirus season, and EV-D68 infections are likely to decline later in the fall.
- Many state health departments have reported increases this year in cases of severe respiratory illness in children.
- This increase could be caused by many different viruses that are common during this time of year. EV-D68 appears to be the predominant type of enterovirus this year and may be contributing to the increases in severe respiratory illnesses.
- Hospitals in Missouri and Illinois were the first to document this increase that was later identified to be caused predominantly by EV-D68 infection. Read more.
- CDC is prioritizing testing of specimens from children with severe respiratory illness. There are likely many children affected with milder forms of illness. Of the specimens tested by the CDC lab, about half have tested positive for EV-D68. About one third have tested positive for an enterovirus or rhinovirus other than EV-D68. See map of states with lab-confirmed EV-D68 infections for more information.
- Almost all the confirmed cases this year of EV-D68 infection have been among children. Many of the children had asthma or a history of wheezing.
- EV-D68 has been detected in specimens from four* patients who died and had samples submitted for testing. The role that EV-D68 infection played in these deaths is unclear at this time; state and local health departments are continuing to investigate.
*Investigations are ongoing; CDC will review and update available data every Wednesday.
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