KIDS AT RISK: Enterovirus Cases Centered in Mid-Michigan, Reports Say
October 3, 2014
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(NEWS UPDATE: The Michigan Department of Community Health has now confirmed 25 cases of EV-D68 in Michigan. One case has been confirmed in a Washtenaw County child. This is the first case with neurologic symptoms reported in Michigan.)
On Sept. 19 the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) reported three cases of enterovirus D68 (EV-D68).
Although the MDCH did not specify the location of the cases, recent news reports are that mid-Michigan is the center of this virus.
Each year, especially in the summer and fall, these common viruses cause 10 to 15 million infections. Most of these illnesses are mild. Symptoms might include colds, rashes, vomiting, low-grade fever, or mouth sores. But sometimes, as with this particular enterovirus, they can become more serious.
"We don't entirely understand why this strain is causing so much trouble, particularly for children. It may simply be that because children are young, they haven't had a chance to build up immunity to enteroviruses in general. But what we do know is that Enterovirus D68 causes more trouble for children, especially those with asthma," says Dr. Claire McCarthy, a pediatrician at Boston Children's Hospital and assistant professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School.
Several cases in Saginaw, Midland and Huron counties have been reported without additional details as to whether they involve children or adults.
MDCH announced Sept. 19: "Testing results from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) laboratory indicated that three specimens submitted by the MDCH have tested positive for enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) to date.
Health officers Mike Krecek of Midland County and Cindy Rochefort of Huron County told Heather Jordan of The Bay City Times that there were confirmed cases of D68 in those counties.
The news report also said several cases were seen in Saginaw County.
"Michigan has seen an increase in severe respiratory illness in children across the state, and the department is working with the CDC, Michigan local health departments and hospitals to monitor the increase," the agency stated in a news release, adding:
"Of the three confirmed Michigan cases, additional details are not available at this time pending notification of patients and families. Michigan is working with hospitals and local health departments to investigate these cases. Based on the increase seen across the state, this is the first set of positive cases and Michigan expects confirmation of additional cases."
Nationally, clusters of EV-D68 infections have impacted the pediatric population in multiple states. Since mid-August, people from 19 states were confirmed to have respiratory illness caused by EV-D68, including Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
The MDCH said enteroviruses are very common viruses; there are more than 100 types. It is estimated that 10 to 15 million enterovirus infections occur in the United States each year. Symptoms of EV-D68 infection can include wheezing, difficulty breathing, fever and racing heart rate. Most people infected with enteroviruses have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, but some infections can be serious requiring hospitalization.
Enteroviruses are transmitted through close contact with an infected person, or by touching objects or surfaces that are contaminated with the virus and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes. There is no specific treatment for EV-D68 infections but supportive care can be provided.
Young residents with asthma may be at an increased risk of severe complications and are encouraged to be vigilant in taking their asthma controlling medications. Further, Michiganders can protect themselves from enterovirus by taking general hygiene precautions:
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 doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.
Each year, especially in the summer and fall, these common viruses cause 10 to 15 million infections. Most of these illnesses are mild. Symptoms might include colds, rashes, vomiting, low-grade fever, or mouth sores. But sometimes, as with this particular enterovirus, they can become more serious.
For additional information about EV-D68 or the national investigation, visit the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/about/EV-D68.html.
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