How Dangerous Is Enterovirus 68?

The recent worldwide concern over the deadly Ebola virus that continues to plague West Africa has overshadowed news about another virus that has also claimed the lives of at least six children in the US. Enterovirus 68 (EV 68 or EV-D68), which was formerly known to cause sporadic infections since it was discovered in 1962, has been causing hundreds of children in various states to become seriously ill in the last two months. While only a limited number of people are at risk of acquiring Ebola infection in Northern America, more people are at risk of contracting EV 68 anytime, anywhere in the US. This is why people must be more concerned about the recent outbreak of EV 68 than Ebola.

What is Enterovirus 68?

EV 68 is just one of more than a hundred enteroviruses that cause human infection.

While most people may suffer from mild symptoms, young children and people who have low immune resistance may suffer from severe complications and even death. This year, there has been a wave of severe respiratory infections due to EV 68 that has affected several states, including Canada. This has prompted CDC to develop a new test that can help diagnose the disease faster. There has been a backlog in the diagnosis of cases because the CDC, which has its headquarters in Atlanta, has been receiving and processing hundreds of blood specimens from seriously ill children all over the country.

A person who is infected with the virus may experience common symptoms such as a fever, runny nose, coughing, sneezing, and muscle aches.  However, some people have more severe symptoms, such as wheezing and difficulty in breathing, especially those who have asthma or other lung problems. Low blood oxygen levels can result, which can lead to death. Rarely, it can also cause muscle paralysis and inflammation of the heart or brain.

How EV 68 Spreads

Anyone can catch the virus because it spreads like the common cold – by inhaling the germs from someone who coughs or sneezes, or by touching their face or hands and other contaminated surfaces. The virus may be found in one’s saliva and other body secretions.

In addition, anyone who has a weak immune system can develop serious complications.

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The rapid spread of the virus in August and September coincided with the opening of classes, which indicates that it easily spreads through close contact with infected persons. Not much is known about the virus, which has not been seen to cause this much of trouble since it was discovered. Experts speculate that in the past 10 to 15 years, the virus may have evolved or mutated into different sub types, which has caused it to become more easily transmissible or contagious. Furthermore, it seems to affect children more severely than adults, prompting many parents to become worried about the virus.

Diagnosis And Treatment Of Enterovirus 68

Without a specific test for the infection (such as a blood test for antibodies or a virus culture), it is difficult to diagnose EV 68. Its clinical picture (history, signs and symptoms, and physical examination) may be similar to other common illnesses. 

However, if symptoms of respiratory distress occur, patients must seek immediate medical help. In most cases, severe respiratory distress (wheezing, trouble breathing) occurs in children who have asthma.

There is no cure for EV 68. Since the illness is not caused by bacteria, there are no antibiotics for the disease. Supportive treatment consists of bed rest, increased fluid intake, and reducing fever and other symptoms using pain relievers and other over-the-counter medications. Parents must look for signs of breathing problems, such as wheezing. You can tell if a child has trouble breathing when he uses his chest muscles or neck muscles to breathe, or it is taking him more than one breath per second. These are signs that parents must bring their kids to the doctor immediately. Patients who are seriously ill will need hospitalization or admission to intensive care units. They will be given oxygen therapy and medications to improve their breathing. Critically ill children may need ventilators to support their breathing.

How to Prevent Enterovirus 68 Infection

Experts say that no matter how careful people are about getting the virus, it will be hard to prevent its spread completely. However, one can lower their chances of getting it by strictly following some tips:

• Wash your hands frequently. You never know if the door knob or telephone you touched was contaminated by someone with the virus. To make sure, scrub your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose unless you have washed your hands.
• Avoid hugging, kissing, or sharing food with anyone who is sick.
• Disinfect surfaces at home that are often touched, including doorknobs, telephones and toys, especially if anyone is sick.
• Instruct your children to cover their mouths when they cough, using a tissue, and not directly on their hand. Tell them to wash their hands often.
• If your children have asthma, make sure they are taking their medications to control the condition, because a viral infection can cause asthma to flare-up.
• Seek medical consultation if you suspect that your child is not just having an ordinary cold. Important signs to watch out for include wheezing and rapid or labored breathing.

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In some cases, symptoms are ambiguous. One mother reported that her 13-year-old son had cold symptoms that developed into a life-threatening illness overnight. He lost his consciousness and looked very pale with blue lips. Another 4-year old boy was apparently well, with no symptoms, but died in his sleep. Tests confirmed that he was harboring EV 68.

However, according to Michael Fine, MD, director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, many people will have EV 68 without even knowing it, because they may experience very mild symptoms. Most will quickly recover completely. Most children exposed to the virus recover completely.