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.

See Also: Handwashing: Quick, Simple, And Life-Saving

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.