Wisconsin could soon have its first confirmed cases of a respiratory-and-stomach virus that has hospitalized hundreds of children throughout the nation. Nine suspected cases of the Enterovirus have been found in Madison. Samples have been sent to the U-S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Test results are expected later this month.
In the Northwoods, Oneida County Community Health Specialist Marta Koelling says there are more than 100 different enteroviruses resulting in 10-15 million cases of enterovirus in the U.S. each year....
"....the Enterovirus "D-68" is causing some people to have some severe reactions. Generally with this virus the reaction can be mild to severe. Usually the symptoms are respiratory illness and the people most impacted are infants, children and teenagers..."
Officials say most Enterovirus patients have symptoms of the common cold, and up to 15-percent of cases are serious enough to at least get treatment from a doctor...
".....there are no anti-viral medications. But quite a few of the individuals who are presented with this illness are being brought to urgent care..."
Koelling says preventing the spread of the "D"-68 Enterovirus is similar to preventing the spread of other diseases: wash your hands in soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers and avoid contact with people who are sick.
Experts say there's no cause for panic, but parents should keep a close eye on their kids for symptoms. The strain often includes coughs and breathing difficulties -- but only a small number of kids have fever. Children with pre-existing lung problems are at risk of getting sicker than others.
