Enterovirus D68

The Basics

Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate пїЅ пїЅ

What is enterovirus D68? " пїЅ Enterovirus D68 is a virus (or germ) that can cause an infection similar to the common cold. In some cases, it can cause severe trouble breathing. The virus, sometimes called "EV-D68, " пїЅ tends to affect children, not adults. пїЅ пїЅ

In 2014, there has been a jump in the number of cases of EV-D68 in the United States. This was first reported in Missouri and Illinois, but has affected other states, too. Some children have had so much trouble breathing that they have needed to be treated in the hospital. пїЅ пїЅ

What are the symptoms of EV-D68? " пїЅ Children with EV-D68 can have regular cold symptoms, like a runny nose, fever, or cough. But they can also have trouble breathing. They might feel like they cant get enough air, or like they have to work harder than usual to breathe. They might also have wheezing (noisy breathing). Children who already have asthma might be more likely to have serious breathing problems if they get infected with EV-D68. пїЅ пїЅ

In rare cases, children with EV-D68 can have serious problems with their muscles. The muscles can become weak, or stop working (called "paralysis " пїЅ). But, experts do not yet know why this happens, or if EV-D68 is the cause. пїЅ пїЅ

Should my child see a doctor or nurse? " пїЅ Yes. If your child is having trouble breathing, or if you think he or she might have EV-D68, call his or her doctor or nurse. The doctor or nurse can tell you if you should go to the emergency department. пїЅ пїЅ

You should also call a doctor or nurse right away if your child refuses to drink anything for a long time, acts confused or extremely tired, or stops responding to you. пїЅ пїЅ

Is there a test for EV-D68? " пїЅ Yes. There is a test for the EV-D68 virus. But most hospitals are not able to run the test themselves. Instead, they have to send samples (of mucus or saliva) to government-run labs for testing. As a result, it might take a little while to know for sure what the results are. пїЅ пїЅ

How is EV-D68 treated? " пїЅ Usually, EV-D68 is treated like a regular cold, and goes away on its own. There is no specific medicine used to treat it, and antibiotics do not help. In serious cases where the child is having trouble breathing, he or she might need treatment in the hospital. This can include giving the child extra oxygen, or using machines to help him or her to breathe. пїЅ пїЅ

If your child has mild cold symptoms, keep him or her comfortable. Children who are in pain can take nonprescription pain medicines such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol) or ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin). Never give aspirin to a child younger than 18 years. In children, aspirin can cause a serious problem called Reye syndrome. пїЅ пїЅ

If your child is younger than 6 years, do NOT give him or her any cold medicines. These medicines are not safe for young children. пїЅ пїЅ

Can EV-D68 be prevented? " пїЅ Yes. You can do the following to help prevent the spread of this infection: пїЅ пїЅ

Make sure your child washes his or her hands often with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom.
Keep your home clean and disinfect tabletops, toys, and other things that a child might touch.
If you think your child might have EV-D68 or another contagious illness, keep him or her away from other people. Teach your child to cover his or her sneezes and coughs.
Avoid touching people who are sick, and do not share cups or eating utensils.
If your child has asthma, follow his or her doctor's instructions carefully. Be sure to give your child all the medicines the doctor prescribes. Children with asthma might be more likely to have breathing problems if they get infected with EV-D68.

There is no vaccine to prevent enterovirus D68. пїЅ пїЅ

For more information about EV-D68, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web site at: www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/about/EV-D68.html. пїЅ пїЅ

All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. пїЅ пїЅ

This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. пїЅ пїЅ

Topic 96986 Version 2.0 пїЅ пїЅ

Release: 22.8 - C22.206 пїЅ пїЅ

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.The use of UpToDate content is governed by the UpToDate Terms of Use. пїЅ пїЅ2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. пїЅ пїЅ

Enterovirus D68

The Basics

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

Copyright