COLUMBUS, Ohio – Health officials say an uncommon virus that causes severe respiratory illness in children has been confirmed in patients in Columbus and Akron.
Columbus Public Health says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the germ, enterovirus 68, in samples from Nationwide Children’s Hospital. An Ohio Public Health spokeswoman also says at least one sample from Akron Children’s Hospital tested positive for the germ.
“Columbus Public Health is closely monitoring this outbreak of respiratory illnesses and is working with area hospitals to protect the health and safety of all residents,” says health commissioner Dr. Teresa Long.
Since there is no vaccine to prevent the spread of the virus, Long says people should take precautions.
According to the CDC, at least 220 people from 32 states were confirmed to have respiratory illness caused by EV-D68. That list, updated Wednesday, did not include Ohio.
The Ohio Department of Health says the state has seen increased respiratory illness cases, especially in children. Samples also have been sent to the CDC from hospitals in Chillicothe, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Coldwater, Dayton, Gallipolis, Lima and Sandusky.
The virus is an uncommon strain of a common family of more than 100 types of viruses that typically hit from summertime through the fall and which can cause coldlike symptoms.
“It is important for parents to monitor their children’s symptoms if they are sick. If a child has cold symptoms, and starts wheezing or having trouble breathing, seek immediate medical assistance,” Long said.
Symptoms of the EV-D68 virus are similar to a common cold and can include fever, runny nose, sneezing, coughing and body aches.
Long says many who contract EV-D68 will recover without medical attention, but those who experience wheezing and difficulty breathing should be examined by a physician. People with asthma are at higher risk and should take their medicines regularly and maintain control of their condition.
While there is no vaccine for, the virus EV-D68, Long says everyone should get the seasonal flu shot as soon as possible, since having two respiratory illnesses circulating in the area at the same puts residents at greater risk for illness.
EV-D68 spreads through close contact with an infected person or by touching objects or surfaces contaminated with the virus.