Enterovirus D68: 8 things parents should know

Enterovirus D68 has already spread to 10 U.S. states and sent hundreds of children to hospital. And now the respiratory virus has been confirmed to have made at least 18 children ill in Alberta, although it's still unknown if it's the same D68 strain causing the outbreaks in the U.S.

Meanwhile, in Ontario, the Windsor Regional Hospital is awaiting results of nearly a dozen cases ofpatients with severe respiratory issues.

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But Dr. Eric Swartz, head of pediatrics at RichmondHospital in Richmond, B.C., saidthat there shouldn't be a panic in Canada about this development.

"The vastmajorityof children who would contract EV-D68 would handle it just likeany othercold and be just fine," he said. "Of course, for some reason it seems like it attackssomechildren withsome moreseverity,we'reseeing some moreintensive care unit submissions in the United States. So, for thatreasonit's a concern but nothing to be alarmed atjustyet."

Since children seem most at risk, hereare eight things parents should know about the respiratory virus:

Who is most susceptible?

Children, particularly those under five and who have respiratory troubles, such as allergies or asthma, are moreat risk.

How is the virus transmitted?

Much like the common cold, the virus is transmitted through close contact, fromnose or throat secretions. "EV-D68 likely spreads from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or touches contaminated surfaces," according to the U.S.Centersfor Disease Control and Prevention.

How is the virus diagnosed?

A doctor will take a swab from a patient's throat or nose and send the specimen off to a lab.

What are the symptoms?

Mild symptoms may include fever, runny nose, sneezing, cough, and body and muscle aches, according to CDC.

However,if a child gets arespiratoryillness,particularly if they arecoughingcontinuously, short ofbreath or breathing fast, wheezing and notable to sleep, parents should seek assistance with aphysicianor the emergency department, said Queens University infectious diseases expertDr. DickZoutman.

"A significantproportionofthese children are having difficulties needingextraoxygen, fluids and a significant number are ending up in intensive care units and sowe want to make sure that those symptoms are picked up early," he said.

"A lot ofpeoplewheeze when they get arespiratoryinfection.They get their puffer, everything settles down.Well thats reassuring, But if it's not settling down or youreneedingto do that frequently, then youneed to talk to your doctor or theemergency department."

How do you differentiate the virus from the common cold?

"Im sure many of these cases are going to be mild and not going to compel you to go to the emergency department," Zoutman said. "Ifthere's no shortness of breath, no difficulty breathing, no wheezing orextremelyhigh fever, there would be no reason to go and seek help. But if itsaffectingthe breathingin those ways, then it's time to get help.

"We dont want people rushing over justbecausethey got a runny nose."

Are there ways to prevent it?

Hand washing and handhygieneare the best way to prevent the spread of the virus.

"It's not perfect but its a useful preventative technique,"Zoutman said.

Much like trying to prevent the spread of a cold or flu, people shouldavoid touching theireyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, the CDC says. It also recommendsfrequently disinfectingtouched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.

Is there a cure?

There is no vaccine, anti-viral orpenicillin-liketreatment for the virus. But there are supportive treatments to deal with the symptoms including extra oxygen and medications to counteract the wheezing.

"Being hydrated is important, controlling the fever and good monitoring and good nursing care can make all the difference,"Zoutmansaid.

How serious is the virus?

Most childrenwill react to the virus like they have a common cold, exhibiting mild or no symptoms at all.

For example, in Colorado, nearly 900 children with respiratory-related issues came into the emergency departmentof their children's hospital over the last few weeks, but fewerthan10 per cent were admitted.

However, of those that were admitted, 10 to 15 per cent had to be put on ventilators, "which is not normal," Zoutman said. "That's a high rate for respiratory viruses."

"You need to be aware and if yourchildren have symptoms, particularlywith the breathing troubles, then you need to think, 'Hmmm, maybe I better get that looked at sooner rather than later.'

"Peoplehum and haw in the middle of the night, do they want to bundle up their child and go to the emergencydepartment?But if their [child is] shortof breath, wheezing significantly, and not behaving the way they do with simple intervention, thats something to be worried about."