Local health officials are working with Seattle Children’s Hospital to investigate a cluster of patients with severe respiratory illness who tested positive for a possible enterovirus infection. Additional testing is being done at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that can determine whether it is the enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) strain that has been seen recently in other U.S. states.

At this time there are no confirmed cases of EV-D68 in King County or Washington state. “Although we can’t currently say that these cases are definitely due to EV-D68, it would not be surprising if the virus is confirmed on further testing,” said Dr. Jeff Duchin, Chief of Communicable Disease and Epidemiology at Public Health - Seattle & King County.

If EV-D68 does appear locally, large numbers of children could develop respiratory infections in a short time period, as the virus spreads similarly to the common cold. With most enterovirus infections, the vast majority of children have a mild illness that does not require medical attention. However, parents of children with asthma should be aware that their children appear to be more susceptible to serious illness.

“It’s important for families to make sure asthma symptoms are under control, and to see a health care provider if a person with asthma develops a respiratory illness that worsens asthma symptoms,” Duchin said.

People who do not have severe illness do not need to seek medical evaluation or testing for EV-D68, which is not widely available outside of hospitals.

About enterovirus

Enteroviruses are very common viruses with over 100 types, but the EV-D68 type has previously been uncommon in the U.S. In other states, the EV-D68 outbreaks are resulting in significant numbers of children requiring emergency department visits and hospitalizations, primarily for difficulties with breathing and severe asthma.

EV-D68 virus can be found in respiratory secretions such as saliva, nasal mucus, or sputum. The virus likely spreads from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or a person touches contaminated surfaces. Infants, children, and teenagers are most likely to get infected with enteroviruses and become sick.

EV-D68 has been reported to cause mild to severe respiratory illness (runny nose, cough, difficulty breathing) with and without fever. A minority of people may have more serious infections, particularly children with pre-existing asthma.

Anyone who has difficulty breathing or who appears seriously ill should be evaluated promptly by a healthcare provider. Adults and children with non-severe enterovirus infections do not need to see a health care provider and do not need to be tested. There is no specific treatment for EV-D68 infections.

Prevention of EV-D68 infection

There is no vaccine for enterovirus infections. To decrease the risk for enterovirus infections:
· Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds (alcohol hand gel is not as good as hand washing for enteroviruses)
· Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
· Avoid contact with ill people
· Do not go to day care, school or work while ill
· Avoid kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick
· Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick
· Children and adults with asthma should be sure to have their asthma symptoms under control and see a health care provider if they develop a respiratory infection and their asthma worsens

Because EV-D68 has previously been uncommon in the US, health officials are still learning about the illness and risk factors for infection. Check for updates at www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/communicable/diseases/Enterovi…