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CDC: NJ Child Who Died Tested Positive For Enterovirus D68

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The New Jersey Department of Health says the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notified them Friday night that a Mercer County child who died last week tested positive for the respiratory illness enterovirus D68.

"Our thoughts remain with the family at this very difficult time," said Health Commissioner Mary E. O'Dowd said in a news release. "While the child has tested positive for EV-D68, the cause of death has not yet been determined and it is unclear if EV-D68 played a direct role or was a contributing factor in his death."

The Department of Health says the Mercer County's child's death is the first child death involving EV-D68 in New Jersey.

The CDC also notified the Department of Health tonight of an additional confirmed case of EV-D68 in a Middlesex County child. The Department of Health says New Jersey currently has nine confirmed cases of EV-D68 in the following counties: Camden, Burlington, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris Essex, Passaic and Sussex.

Typically, the Department of Health says EV-D68 causes upper respiratory symptoms such as cough, runny nose, sneezing and body/muscle aches and possibly low-grade fever. If children become ill, the Department of Health says parents should consult with their health care provider.

The Department of Health says New Jersey, like the rest of the U.S., is in the middle of the respiratory virus season.  Many different viruses are common this time of year, including influenza, rhinovirus and more than 100 other types of enteroviruses.

Commissioner O'Dowd said the virus is causing respiratory illnesses around the state-along with flu and other respiratory viruses. The preventive steps people can take to avoid becoming ill and the treatment are similar to those of most respiratory illnesses like the flu.

The Department of Health says good hand hygiene is your best defense against getting infected with enterovirus:

  •    Washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers. Hand sanitizers are not effective against entroviruses
  •    Avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
  •    Avoiding kissing, hugging, and sharing cup or eating utensils with people who are sick
  •    Disenfecting frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick

 

"Enterovirus D68 is treated the same as other respiratory illnesses that are seen in children this time of year," the Commissioner said. There is no vaccine or specific antiviral medication for enterovirus infections. However, individuals should be aware of other illnesses, such as the flu, that are preventable.

According to the Department of Health, enteroviruses are transmitted through close contact with an infected person, or by touching objects or surfaces that are contaminated with the virus and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.

"Parents and caregivers should be aware that children with weakened immune systems or underlying medical conditions, such as asthma, may experience severe complications and require hospitalization with supportive therapy," Commissioner O'Dowd said.

For more information, click here.

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