The New Jersey Department of Health confirms its first case of enterovirus D68 today. The state health department says the child -- who has not been identified by age, town or name -- has improved and been discharged.
"The New Jersey Department of Health is closely monitoring for increases in respiratory illness in hospitals around the state," Health Commissioner Mary E. O'Dowd said.
The respiratory illness is found in children and infants and can be serious. The confirmed New Jersey case came from a Center for Disease Control lab test. The specimen was sent from a Philadelphia hospital.
Before New Jersey, 12 states had confirmed cases, including Pennsylvania. The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia treated four cases of EV-D68. No deaths have been reported.
The virus is transmitted by way of close contact with an infected person or by touching surfaces that are contaminated with the virus. There is no vaccine to treat the virus, but if a child shows symptoms, parents are urged to contact their pediatrician.
The NJDOH suggests taking these precautions to protect oneself from infection:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact (kissing, touching, sharing eating utensils and shaking hands) with people who are sick
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as door knobs and toys
- Stay home when sick and call your healthcare provider
- Use good respiratory hygiene; coughing and sneezing into a tissue or elbow and properly disposing of tissues.
For more information on enterovirus 68, visit here.
