More than 12 children across the state have been confirmed as having a rare respiratory illness that has no treatment.
The New York State Department of Health is calling upon parents to be aware of the symptoms ofenterovirus EV-D68. More than 12 children across the state, near Albany and in Central New York, have been confirmed as having the serious respiratory illness.
The illness does not have a “specific treatment or vaccination,” saidActing State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker, adding symptoms can only be managed.
The enterovirus is spread through close contact with infected persons, and the health department recommends frequent hand washing, avoiding contact with eyes, nose and mouth, avoiding kissing, hugging or sharing utensils with sick people and disinfecting surfaces. Prevention is especially important for infants and people with compromised immune systems or chronic conditions, the health department said.
Symptoms reported includefever, runny nose, sneezing, coughing,and bodyaches, according to the health department.
The health department is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and is asking the public to report respiratory illness outbreaks.
More information on EV-D68is available athttp://www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/about/EV-D68.html.
