Shady Grove’s Pediatric Medical Director Talks about Enterovirus (VIDEO)

An outbreak of the enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) has spread across nearly every state in the nation causing severe respiratory illness in some children.  Dr. Erik Schobitz, medical director for the Pediatric Emergency Department of Shady Grove Adventist Hospital talked with MyMCMedia about the virus, the cases of paralysis in children in Colorado and what parents should do to prevent the virus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, many state health departments are currently investigating increases in cases of severe respiratory illness in children. Maryland has a reported case, but so far Montgomery County has no confirmed cases, according the CDC. The increases could be caused by many different viruses that are common during this time of year. EV-D68 appears to be the predominant type of enterovirus this year and may be contributing to the increases in severe respiratory illnesses.

The CDC is also working with health officials in Colorado to investigate reports of 10 children hospitalized with muscle weakness or paralysis mostly in their arms and legs. These children are being tested for poliovirus, West Nile virus, and enteroviruses. Investigations into these and other possible infectious and non-infectious causes are ongoing.

The CDC offered the following tips:

Keep Your Child from Getting and Spreading Enterovirus D68

• Avoid close contact with sick people
• Wash your hands often with soap & water
• Cover your coughs and sneezes
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
• Clean and disinfect surfaces
• Stay home when you’re sick

For more information see www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/EV68/

About Krista Brick

Krista Brick is a multi-media journalist with Montgomery Community Media.

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