Seven Children at Springfield Baystate Medical Center are being tested for Enterovirus 68, a rare lung virus. The virus has been confirmed in 16 other states including Maine and Connecticut.
The virus can appear as a severe cold with a runny nose and coughing and can be particularly dangerous for children with asthma.
Children who do not have a history of wheezing are wheezing with this virus.
Of those who have been hospitalized some have required sedation and a breathing tube. In one particularly severe case a teen developed symptoms on day one and on day two his asthma became so severe he turned blue and was placed on an emergency breathing tube.
Children under the age of 5 and those who have asthma are most at risk.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services Department of Public Health issued the following advice in a clinical advisory regarding Enterovirus D68.
Advice for parents and patients
• Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• 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
Below is ABCs news coverage about the virus from earlier this month.
Video: Rare Lung Virus Affects Kids Across the Country http://t.co/q4Xq8EoOaF
— Jenn Doyle (@Uptondaily) September 8, 2014
UPTON DAILY 