Health: 4-Year-Old Death, Suspected Respiratory Virus
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, N.J., (CBS) -- The death of a four-year-old boy in Hamilton Township, Mercer County is being investigated, a respiratory virus is suspected.
This comes as doctors and hospitals around the region report a growing number of children with breathing difficulties.
The New Jersey Health Department is investigating along with federal health officials.
A Hamilton Township health official says the little boy who died at home was a preschool student at Yardville Elementary in Mercer County. No other relatives or students are sick at this point.
The official says the class was relocated today so the room could be cleaned.
The cause of death hasn't been identified and the Centers for Disease Control is testing.
This comes as local hospitals are seeing a dramatic increase in respiratory illnesses among children, and some are taking special precautions.
These are the signs that are now posted around Cooper University Hospital. It's restricting visitors because of the growing number of children sick with a respiratory virus.
No one under 16 will be allowed to visit Cooper's pediatric intensive care unit, neonatal intensive care unit or the pediatric floors.
"Trying to prevent visitors from getting sick and also trying to prevent visitors who might have this virus and not realize it from spreading it to other patients," Dr. Bill Graessle said.
Dr. Graessle a pediatrician at Cooper says pediatric patient volume is double its normal levels for this time of year, kids sick with breathing difficulties.
There have been a few cases where preliminary testing has been positive for Enterovirus 68 that's spreading across the country.
"Its been very busy," Dr. Graessle said.
"We are seeing so many patients that we can assume that a lot of them have this virus. Some of them have been tested and are positive."
The respiratory illness is contagious and spreads through coughing or sneezing.
Symptoms mimic the common cold. But the virus can quickly become life threatening.
Children who need to be hospitalized are given breathing treatments and steroids to reduce inflammation.
Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Delaware also has a visitation restriction in its pediatric intensive care unit. No visitors under the age of 16 are allowed.
Health officials say most children recover on their own and stress the importance of careful hand washing.
Doctors say children with a history of asthma are particularly susceptible.
