Enterovirus confirmed in Mass. girl, 8
By Elaine Thompson TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
elaine.thompson@telegram.com
elaine.thompson@telegram.com
The first case of Enterovirus D68, a severe respiratory virus that has sent scores of mostly asthmatic children to hospitals in about 30 states, has been confirmed in Massachusetts.
Public Health Commissioner Cheryl Bartlett, in a telephone conference Tuesday, said the patient, an 8-year-old girl from the southeastern part of the state, has a history of asthma. She was hospitalized and has since been released. No details about the child were made public.
The virus was first reported in the Midwest and quickly spread to the Southeast and now has reached the Northeast. Connecticut has also reported one case.
Ms. Bartlett and Dr. Al DeMaria, the state epidemiologist, said they expect to see more cases during the next two weeks. About 80 specimens from across the state have been sent to be tested at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"The virus is circulating. We have a positive test now," Dr. DeMaria said. "I think we're seeing activity from all over the state. We have gotten specimens from all over the state for testing. We would assume it's everywhere in the state."
Public Health Commissioner Cheryl Bartlett, in a telephone conference Tuesday, said the patient, an 8-year-old girl from the southeastern part of the state, has a history of asthma. She was hospitalized and has since been released. No details about the child were made public.
The virus was first reported in the Midwest and quickly spread to the Southeast and now has reached the Northeast. Connecticut has also reported one case.
Ms. Bartlett and Dr. Al DeMaria, the state epidemiologist, said they expect to see more cases during the next two weeks. About 80 specimens from across the state have been sent to be tested at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"The virus is circulating. We have a positive test now," Dr. DeMaria said. "I think we're seeing activity from all over the state. We have gotten specimens from all over the state for testing. We would assume it's everywhere in the state."
According to the CDC, the way the virus is spread is not fully understood because it hasn't been studied much since it was first detected in California in 1962, but it can be found in respiratory secretions, including saliva and nasal mucus. It is thought to spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes or touches contaminated surfaces.
Most people who get the virus probably won't get very sick. Patients who already have hyperactive airways, particularly children with pre-existing respiratory conditions, including asthma, seem to be the population the virus is particularly prone to attack.
"For most children this virus is relatively mild. For children with asthma or other respiratory problems it can be more serious," Ms. Bartlett said.
The best prevention is the same as with the cold or flu, including washing hands for 20 seconds, especially after changing a diaper, disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and avoiding contact with people who are sick.
"One of the messages we want to get out there is that children who have asthma plans for maintenance or control of their asthma, it's really important to have that plan working right now," Dr. DeMaria said.
Dr. DeMaria said it is also important to recognize that anyone with a cold may be harboring the EV-D68 virus, which can be transmitted to children with respiratory problems. According to the DPH, the virus has caused similar outbreaks in North America, Europe and Asia over the past few years.
Contact Elaine Thompson at elaine.thompson@telegram.com. Follow her on Twitter@EThompsonTG
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