Enteroviruses are single-stranded RNA viruses that commonly cause
disease in the warmer months of the year.
Some of the better known enteroviruses include polio, Coxsackie A and B,
and echovirus. They can be found in the
respiratory secretions and stool of an infected person. Most infections with non-polio enteroviruses
are asymptomatic or cause a brief febrile illness, but some have been
associated with pleurodynia (inflammation
of the lining of the lung), myopericarditis (inflammation of the lining
of the heart), acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, aseptic (non-bacterial) meningitis,
encephalitis, herpangina (painful mouth blisters), and hand-foot-and-mouth
disease.
Enterovirus D68 is one of more than 100 non-polio enteroviruses.
First identified in California in 1962,
the virus caused sporadic illness similar to the common cold until August 2014
when cases of severe respiratory disease in children were diagnosed in the
Midwest. Since that time, cases have
been reported from 43 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada. Some have required hospitalization and
respiratory support. Children with
asthma appear to be at increased risk for more severe respiratory illness. There have also been reports of associated
polio-like paralysis though this is less definitive. No antiviral medications are
available to treat enteroviruses, and there are no vaccines to prevent disease
(other than polio vaccine).
Like other respiratory viruses, D68 spreads from person to
person through coughing, sneezing, or touching a surface previously touched by
an infected person. So, the best way to
protect yourself and prevent spread is through good personal hygiene –
hand-washing, avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth, not sharing cups or
eating utensils, disinfecting commonly used surfaces, and covering coughs and
sneezes with a tissue.
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