image source, Scientific Photo Library
A strange respiratory virus that affects hundreds of children in the Midwest region of the United States worries the country’s health authorities.
The cause of the outbreak is believed to be the EV-D68 enterovirus, which can cause severe respiratory illness.
Twelve states from Colorado to North Carolina reported cases for the past month.
Dozens of children must be hospitalized intensive care.
BBC Mundo explains the main data on the virus.
What are enteroviruses?
Enteroviruses are common and do not require hospital care.
The symptoms usually manifest as a summer cold.
Infection season peaks in September and then a decade begins.
There are more than 100 types of enteroviruses that cause about 10 million to 15 million infections in the United States each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Enteroviruses are usually not deadly.
What’s so unusual about the EV-D68?
EV-D68 is a rare enterovirus, but it is not new.
It was first produced in California in 1962.
It can cause mild or severe respiratory problems.
What is unusual at this time is the high number of hospitalizations as only 100 cases have been found so far since it was identified.
image source, Thinkstock
Hand cleaning is essential to prevent contagion.
In a cluster of cases in Kansas City, 19 of 22 children tested positive while in Chicago, 11 of 14 patients did.
«We think the unusual increases in cases in Kansas City and Chicago could be replicated elsewhere in the coming weeks,» said Anne Schuchat of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.
«We don’t know as much as we would like to know, but we believe that the virus is spread through respiratory secretions,» he explained.
Babies, children, and adolescents are most at risk from the virus.
More than half of the children hospitalized in the outbreak already had a history of asthma or other respiratory problems.
No fatalities have been reported.
Dr. Schuchat said that 12 states had contacted the Centers for Disease Control for help in investigating the virus clusters.
What can be done to prevent it?
Like other enteroviruses, the respiratory disease appears to be spread through close contact with infected people. That makes children more susceptible.
There isn’t much that can be done, health officials say, beyond taking common-sense steps to reduce risk.
It is recommended to wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom and changing diapers.
Also clean and disinfect surfaces that are regularly touched by different people, such as toys and doorknobs.
Another piece of advice would be to avoid shaking hands, kissing, hugging, and sharing glasses or utensils with people who are sick. And stay home if you feel bad.
There is no vaccine for EV-D68.