Several cases of Enterovirus D68 have been reported in Missouri and Illinois. The respiratory illness has hospitalized children in Kansas City, St. Louis and Chicago, but it hasn’t made it to Cape Girardeau yet.
Vanessa Landers, the communicable disease coordinator at the Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center, said no cases have been reported at this time.
“This virus usually starts like a common cold,” she said.
Landers said most people experience sneezing, coughing and a runny nose in the early stages. Other symptoms include a high fever, a severe cough, wheezing, rash and difficulty breathing.
Since the two viruses have similar symptoms it can make it hard to diagnose, she said.
Landers said the virus is affecting all, but children with pre-existing respiratory issues, like asthma, are most affected.
“With any children with asthma or history of breathing problems, you know, are going to be the ones that’s going to be very susceptible,” Landers said.
Dr. Andrew Sledd is a pediatrician at Saint Francis Medical Center. He says there is no treatment, but patients’ symptoms can be alleviated to ease their discomfort.
“There is no medication for the virus,” Sledd said. “There is no treatment for the virus. It has to run its course and in most people it does without any problems. But it can sometimes take a week to 10 days to resolve in young children naturally.”
Preventative measures include thoroughly washing one’s hands, avoiding those with the virus, disinfecting surfaces frequently touched by others, avoiding touching one’s face and staying home if ill.
Landers said, “If we wash our hands, we use common sense, it's not going to keep us well 100 percent of the time but it sure will take a big effect, you know, on what we have to deal with.”
Washing one's hands is the best defense for viruses like this, she says.