Enterovirus Nears South Jersey: What Parents Should Know

A new virus that swept through the nation's Midwest this summer has now been reported in New Jersey. Parents are being advised to take precautions to try to prevent your kids from getting enterovirus D68.

This disease could plague South Jersey this fall and winter. It's also happening just in time for flu season.

Here are some answers to questions parents will have about the virus from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention...

Q: What is enterovirus D68?

A: Enterovirus D68, though normally occurring less commonly than other enterovirus infections, can cause mild to very sever respiratory illness, with infection mainly occurring in infants, children and teenagers between the summer and fall seasons.

Because of this, major concern has been drawn by parents; especially because of the rarity of the illness.

Q: What are the symptoms of EV-D68 infection?

A: EV-D68 can cause mild to severe respiratory illness. Mild symptoms may include fever, runny nose, sneezing, cough, and body and muscle aches.

Most of the children who got very ill with EV-D68 infection in Missouri and Illinois had difficulty breathing, and some had wheezing. Many of these children had asthma or a history of wheezing.

Q: How does the virus spread?

A: Since EV-D68 causes respiratory illness, the virus can be found in an infected person’s respiratory secretions, such as saliva, nasal mucus, or sputum. EV-D68 likely spreads from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or touches contaminated surfaces.

How can you prevent your kids from getting enterovirus D68?

-Wash your hands ofter with soap and water.

- Avoid touching eyes and mouth

- Avoid close contact with people who are sick( kissing, shaking hands, sharing utensils)

- Stay home when sick

- Cough and sneeze into a tissue or your elbow

From mid-August to September 17, 2014, a total of 140 people in 16 states have been confirmed to have respiratory illness caused by EV-D68. Learn more about states with confirmed cases.

Q: How many people have been confirmed to have EV-68 infection?

A: From mid-August to September 17, 2014, a total of 140 people in 16 states were confirmed to have respiratory illness caused by EV-D68. (See States with Lab-confirmed Enterovirus D68.) The cases of EV-D68 infection were confirmed by the CDC or state public health laboratories that notified CDC.